Lady Altas gain top spot

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta booked a 25-22, 16-25, 25-14, 25-22 victory over Jose Rizal University to gain the top spot in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association women's volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

Mary Rhose Dapol spearheaded the assault, firing a career-high 28 points to power the Lady Altas to their second straight win in the early stretch of this prestigious collegiate tourney.

Shaila Omipon Winnie Bedana were also impressive at the attack zone, firing 19 and 12 hits, respectively, for the Lady Altas, who wrapped up the match in two hours and three minutes.

"We just told them to keep on fighting and don't relax," said Perpetual head coach Sandy Rieta, whose wards were red-hot from the service box with 11 aces on top of 55 total attacks.

"I told them to just believe in themselves because their seniors will guide them."

Earlier, Lyceum of the Philippines University went through a wringer before hammering a 25-20, 16-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-5 victory over Mapua University.

Johna Dolorito scored 15 of her 17 points from the attack zone while Jaja Tulang and Jewel Maligmat had 14 markers apiece for the Lady Pirates, who picked up their first win of the season.

"I never doubted them. I told them the only ones who can beat us are ourselves," Lyceum head coach Cromwel Garcia said.

"I never lost faith in these kids. We trust each other so much."

Tied at 5-5 in the fifth and final set, Maligmat's ace capped a 10-0 run to help the Lady Pirates start the season on the right foot.

NCAA Season 97 Best Setter Venice Puzon tossed in 18 excellent sets to go with seven points for Lyceum, who survived Roxie Dela Cruz's 20 markers for the Lady Cardinals.