Red Spikers, Pirates clash for share of NC volley lead

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda and Lyceum of the Phl U square off today, both gunning for a victory and a share of the lead with defending champion St. Benilde and San Sebastian in women’s play of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Red Spikers thwarted the Emilio Aguinaldo Lady Generals, 27-25, 25-17, 25-22, last Nov. 14 and the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, last Nov. 20 while the Lady Pirates edged the Letran Lady Knights, 21-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-22, 15-10, last Nov. 14 and the Jose Rizal Lady Bombers, 25-23, 25-10, 25-21, last week to share third place in the early going of the tournament

Gametime is at 11:30 a.m. with the winner joining the defending champion Lady Blazers and the Lady Stags at the helm.

San Beda, which has gained a lot from its Shakey’s V-League stint early this year, leaned on the power-spiking Francesca Racraquin, currently eighth in the league in scoring with norms of 17, to sweep its first two matches.

Czarina Pauline Orros and La Rainne Fabay, on the other hand, have anchored LPU’s early charge with averages of 13 and 11 points, respectively, with the duo hoping to sustain their form against the Red Spikers.

Meanwhile, Arellano U shoots for the solo lead in men’s side as it tangles with Mapua at 8:30 a.m.

The Chiefs are tied with the idle San Beda Lions at 2-0 with Arellano beating SSC, 25-16, 25-20, 25-12, and Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-21, 25-22, 25-13.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, are looking for their third win in four starts.