Lady Pirates take WNCAA opener with rout of Blazers

April Lualhati accounted for more than half of Lyceum’s total output as the Lady Pirates opened their grandslam bid with a 48-34 thrashing of host College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers yesterday at the start of the 39th WNCAA at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Lualhati topscored with 28 markers, including a triple that broke Lyceum’s four-minute silence  in the final 3:12 and reduced the Lady Pirates’ 17-point spread to just 11 points, 43-32.

Earlier, Lualhati committed her fourth personal foul with almost six minutes remaining in the match, forcing coach Aileen Lebornio to rest the graduating offguard. When Lualhati returned, she immediately scored five straight points for a 48-32 Lyceum advantage.

“I still consider St. Benilde as a tough opponent despite our big winning margin,” said Lebornio, who has seven rookies on her roster. “We’re giving premium to our defense this season because most of my players are new.”

The St. Scholastica’s College-Rizal Technological University and La Consolacion College Manila-Centro Escolar University matches were  ongoing at press time.

The Lady Pirates miss 38th season Most Valuable Player and National team mainstay Machiko Matsuno, who was diagnosed with a heart ailment last April.

Lyceum board representative Tanny Gonzales said the Filipino-Japanese’ playing career is over.

“She often collapsed during practice and a checkup in Japan last summer when she visited her father confirmed our fears,” said Gonzales. “We sought a second opinion upon her return here but it’s still the same. She was advised not to play anymore.”

The 39th WNCAA is being supported by Goody, ABC 5, official balls Mikasa and Molten, official radio partner Monster Radio RX 93.1 and official print partners Manila Bulletin, Sports Digest and Sugar Sugar magazine, with additional backing from McDonald’s, Kickers, Bratpack and Killerspin.

Lyceum will also start its bid for a ninth straight volleyball title when it plays St. Francis of Assisi College at 12 noon, one of six senior matches on tap at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong City.

Lyceum beat St. Francis for the title last year.

In senior futsal matches, defending champion RTU takes on Philippine Women’s University at 9 a.m. at the Club 650 gym in Libis, Queazon City.