San Beda thwarts Lyceum in NCAA men’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda made up for a sluggish start with a strong finish to turn back Lyceum of the Philippines University, 21-25, 27-25, 25-13, 25-18, on Monday to bolster its Final Four bid in the men's division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Mark Christian Enciso and team captain Alfie Mascarinas unloaded 21 and 18 hits, respectively, to help the Lions move up from a share of No. 4 with the idle Arellano U Chiefs to solo hold of it with a 5-3 (win-loss) record.

The power-hitting Mascarinas served as the main gunner as he scored all his points on kills including key hits in the final two sets when a Jose Roque-mentored San Beda just completely dominated LPU.

Enciso, for his part, came through in all fronts with 17 points on spikes and two each on blocks and serves.

"It was a total team effort but these guys stepped up the biggest," said Roque, referring to the Enciso-Mascarinas pair.

The Emil Lontoc-mentored Pirates, who were spearheaded by Joeward Presnede's 15, fell out of the Final Four race after absorbing their fifth defeat against three wins.

In women's action, San Beda played spoiler's role to the hilt as it edged LPU, 21-25, 25-23, 25-15, 21-25, 15-12.

It was the Lionesses' third win in eight outings while the Lady Pirates fell to their fourth setback against the same number of wins, a full game behind No. 4 Perpetual Help.