Cruz makes most of chance, powers Lyceum

FILE: Lyceum Lady Pirates.–NCAA PHOTO

Angelica Cruz knew that breaks don’t come too often, especially for a newbie like her.

Given the rare opportunity to showcase her ability, Lyceum’s rookie middle blocker didn’t squander her opportunity as the Lady Pirates pummeled the San Sebastian Lady Stags, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15, in the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.

“I was told to play extended minutes prior to the game. I know I have to step up and as a rookie, I have to be mature out there,” said Cruz after a career-best 16 points built around 12 attacks plus four blocks.

“I was shaky in the first set, so my teammates reminded me to focus and reset before I came back in the second set,” she added.

The Lady Pirates are out of the running for a semifinal spot, but they’re still in it as far as finishing the season with pride.

Down a set, Lyceum reversed the Lady Stags in Set 2 after climbing out of a five-point pit with Cruz firing at will near the end of the frame.

It was another fierce exchange in the third set as the Lady Stags, led by hitters Juna May Gonzales and Kristine Dionisio, poured it out before Lyceum’s Joan Doguna, Johna Dolorito and Cruz silenced them in seizing the upperhand.

The Lady Stags uncharacteristically lost fire in the fourth frame, allowing the Lyceum scoring trio and Ashley Muchillas to impose themselves for good.

“We celebrate every time we score because it boosts our confidence and energy,” said Cruz, who celebrated her 20th birthday along with the Lady Pirates’ eighth victory in 16 games.

Doguna led the Lady Pirates with 17 attacks, Venice Puzon tossed in 27 excellent sets, Dolorito added 14 points and Muchillas had 12, including a pair of power projectiles that widened the gap, 21-11, in the deciding set.

“I owe my confidence to my veteran teammates. They never fail to remind me to focus on the task each time I fumble,” said Cruz.

Gonzales delivered 20 points, 16 of them kills and four aces, Dionisio had 10 points and three blocks for the Lady Stags, who dropped to 7-10 with a game remaining in the second round.

Earlier, San Sebastian College toppled Lyceum in a protracted battle in the men’s side, 30-28, 21-25, 18-25, 25-22, 15-8, with the Stags’ Rhenmart Alba erupting for 26 points, four blocks and two aces.

The Stags improved to 5-12 while the Pirates dropped to 2-14, both of them out of contention in the Final Four.