Pirates, Blazers dispute WNC lead

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum and College of St. Benilde dispute the top semifinal spot at the close of the 40th WNCAA senior division elimination round this weekend in separate venues.

The three-time defending champion Lyceum Lady Pirates and the CSB Lady Blazers, both holding 4-0 cards in the basketball event, collide at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Scholastica’s College gym.

Philippine Women’s University will complete the Senior A semifinal cast if it prevails over Rizal Technological U in their 4 p.m. encounter today.

A win will tie PWU with St. Scholastica at 2-2, leaving RTU and Centro Escolar University out of the race as the most they could get is a lone win.

In Senior B battle, University of Asia and the Pacific has clinched the first finals slot via a four-game sweep.

The other four teams will play in the quarterfinals, where No. 2 faces No. 5 and the No. 3 challenges No. 4. The winners will then duel for the right to face UA&P in the best-of-three finals.

In volleyball, 4-0 holders Lyceum and RTU will also contest the top semifinal ranking at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at the RTU gym.

Miriam College and San Beda College Alabang, tied at 2-2, face off at 2 p.m. to determine the No. 3 and 4 rankings.

CEU eyes a sweep and the Senior B finals slot against UA&P at 9:30 a.m.

The 40th WNCAA is being supported by Monster Radio RX 93.1, Goody, IBC 13, Manila Bulletin, Sports Digest, Muscle Tape, Burlington Biofresh, MJC Press and Macgraphics Carranz.

Chiang Kai Shek created a four-way logjam for the top spot in junior basketball after stopping St. Stephen’s High School, 75-45, at its homecourt on Wednesday.

Madel Castro exploded with 45 points while Jenny Rose Tinquico added 16 for CKSC which now totes a 2-0 slate, the same record of defending champion Miriam, San Beda and rookie team St. Jude Catholic School.

St. Stephen is still winless in two starts.

Miriam seeks its third win against La Salle College at 1 p.m. today. CKSC and St. Jude meet at 2:30 p.m., likewise eyeing a third victory in as many games.