Lyceum, 2 others dominate WNCAA opener

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum opened its title-retention bid in two fronts in smashing fashions, trouncing Univ. of Sta. Isabel Legazpi City, 89-41, in basketball and overwhelming Faith School of Batangas, 25-8, 25-11, 25-13, in volleyball at the start of the sixth National WNCAA (Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association) in Biñan, Laguna yesterday.

Mika Cortez fired 23 points while Len Flormata and Hazel Mantaring came away with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as the Lady Pirates stamped their class early before coasting to the one-sided victory before a big crowd at the Biñan Multi Purpose Hall. Ting de Jesus and Donna Yasay also made 10 points each for the defending champions.

Vanome Haruka scored 11 points while Maya Escober and Chris Ponte had eight points apiece for Sta. Isabel, which never recovered from an 18-40 deficit in the first half.

Earlier, Biñan Mayor Marlyn “Len Len” Alonte Naguiat made the ceremonial toss, kicking off the four-day tournament hosted by the province for the first time and which drew eight teams each in basketball and volleyball competitions.

In other cage results, La Salle-Dasmariñas clobbered Tarlac State University, 105-43, while University of Perpetual Help Laguna held off University of Asia and Pacific, 66-60.

Over at the University of Perpetual Laguna gym, the Lady Pirates also imposed their might early, sweeping their rivals from Faith School with a straight set romp in volleyball competitions.

La Salle-Dasmariñas and Univ. Perpetual Help Laguna also swept their first day assignments as they subdued Ateneo de Naga, 25-8, 25-13, 25-14, and UAP, 25-12, 25-15, 25-22, respectively.