JRU belles pull three-setter over SSC foes

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University leaned heavily on the strong effort of Dolly Grace Verzosa as it edged San Sebastian, 25-18, 25-20, 26-24, yesterday to breathe life to its Final Four bid in the women’s division of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The new team leader taking over from last year’s MVP Shola Alvarez, Verzosa didn’t disappoint, firing a match-best 17 points including 16 off the attacks to lead the Lady Bombers to their fourth victory against three losses.

That kept the Kalentong-based school in contention for a return to the Final Four after a breakthrough appearance last year when it finished with a 6-3 (win-loss) record and into the semis before losing to eventual champion Arellano U.

Karen Cay Montojo scattered 14 hits to help in the cause.

It was a disappointing defeat for the Lady Stags, who came into the match the favorites after racking four wins in their first five outings.

They fell to solo fourth with a 4-2 card after sharing third with St. Benilde (4-1).

For JRU, the win over SSC was its biggest after it came close to bringing down last year’s losing finalist San Beda before eventually succumbing in a heartbreaking 25-17, 13-25, 9-25, 25-21, 11-15 setback on Dec. 13 last year.

Earlier, SSC dumped JRU, 25-22, 27-25, 25-15, to improve to 3-3 in the men’s side.

In juniors’ action, SSC bested JRU, 25-2, 25-17, 25-21, to claim its second win against four losses.