Lady Pirates, Altas clash in crucial NCAA volley tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Lyceum and Perpetual Help clash today in a key match with the Lady Pirates out to close in on a Final Four berth and the Lady Altas seeking to stay in the hunt in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Lady Pirates shoot for their sixth win against a loss and a share of second spot with the Arellano U Lady Chiefs heading to the crucial phase of the elims.

“It will be crucial for us because a win will send us closer to achieving our goal, which is to make the Final Four,” said LPU coach Emil Lontoc.

The Lady Altas, on the other hand, will come into their 11:30 a.m. encounter hard-pressed to come up with a win after dropping to 3-3 following a straight-set setback to the unbeaten San Sebastian Lady Stags last Wednesday.

“It will be do-or-die for us from here,” said Perpetual coach Sammy Acaylar who was recently appointed national men’s team coach by the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. 

In a non-bearing game, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua face off at 10 a.m.

In men’s play, defending champion Perpetual Help (4-1) seeks to keep its hold of No. 2 as it clashes with LPU (3-3) at 1 p.m. while Mapua (4-3) tangles with also-ran EAC (0-7).

In juniors’ play, LPU (4-0) collides with reigning titlist Perpetual Help (4-1) at 2:30 p.m.