BY ABBY TORALBA
PERPETUAL Help shackled Jose Rizal University 25-23, 16-25, 25-14, 25-22 yesterday for its second straight win in the 98th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Open spiker Mhary Dapol delivered a career-high 28 points, 19 off attacks, eight service aces, one block, and 12 excellent digs for the Lady Altas, while rookie Shaila Omipon contributed 19 markers.
Middle blocker Winnie Bedana added 12 for Perpetual, which rose to 2-0 and the early solo lead.
After an early nip-and-tuck duel in the fourth set, the Lady Altas took a 16-13 lead.
Although the Lady Bombers equalized at 19-all, Dapol stepped up for Perpetual, scoring three straight points for a 23-20 cushion.
A service error from JRU shoved the Lady Altas to match point 24-21 before Omipon closed out the showdown with a cross court kill.
Skipper Sydney Niegos paced JRU, which fell to 0-2, with 14 points, while Jerry Lyn Laurente had 10 markers.
Earlier, Lyceum opened its campaign off with a thrilling 25-16, 16-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-5 decision over Mapua University.
Johna Dolorito led the Lady Pirates with 16 points, while Jewel Maligmat and Janeth Tulang added 15 each.
Zonxi Dahab delivered 13 markers as Joan Doguna contributed 11 points along with eight digs for Lyceum.
The Lady Cardinals drew a 20-point outing from Roxie Dela Cruz that went for naught, while Chenie Batac and Alyana Ong also had 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
