BY ABBY TORALBA
LYCEUM and Mapua clash in a pivotal duel today in the 99th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The battle between the Intramuros neighbors at 2 p.m. will be crucial in their respective bids to bag berths in the Final Four.
Both entering the game aiming to regain their winning form, Lyceum seeks to secure a semis slot while Mapua eyes to solidify its hopes of making it to the Last Four.
The Lady Pirates are currently second with a 5-2 record behind defending two-time champion College of St, Benilde which has an 8-0 card, while Mapua is tied with the Arellano Lady Chiefs with 4-3 slates.
Last Tuesday, Lyceum absorbed its first heartbreak this season after the Letran Lady Knights’ spoiled their erstwhile unblemished record with a 26-24, 20-25, 22-25, 22-25 decision.
Mapua fell to the Lady Blazers over the weekend 19-25, 23-25, 8-25.
Johna Dolorito, Jaja Tulang and Joan Doguna are expected to rise and lead Lyceum.
Raissa Ricablanca, Roxie Dela Cruz and Alyana Ong will be counted upon by Mapua to deliver.
In the 10 a.m. game, Arellano University clashes with also-ran Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Lady Chiefs enhanced their semifinals hopes after they improved to a 4-3 slate six days ago with a 22-25 25-23 25-19 25-12 victory over the Perpetual Lady Altas.
