Perpetual Help escapes with 5-set win over Lyceum

Defending champion University of Perpetual Help needed five sets to hurdle past Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates 25-15, 25-16, 22-25, 21-25 and 15-9 in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the San Beda University gym in Manila.

The players of Altas coach Macky Carino looked formidable in the first two sets and were about to sweep the match when the resilient Pirates played relentless volleyball in the next two sets to tie the match.

In the fifth and final set, however, the Altas regained their composure and secured the win, their third in as many outings this season.

Jeff Marapoc led Perpetual Help with 24 points and 12 excellent receptions while Kobe Brian Tabuga added 22 points.

Rookie Hezron Manoloto contributed 12 points, two of which were blocks and Klint Mateo posted 18 excellent sets for the La Pinas-based team.

Four Lyceum players, meanwhile, scored in double figures led by Frank Edang with 18 points.

Icon Aquino added 17 while John Cielo and Carlo Edang chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.