GETTING splendid performances from its top gunners, Lyceum of the Philippines University inched closer to achieving a breakthrough Final Four appearance with a clinical 25-20, 25-15, 25-17 win over Letran in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament Tuesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Joan Doguna picked up from where she left off in their previous outing as she uncorked yet another remarkable showing, laced with 15 points even as Jewel Maligmat had it so well too marked by five of the Lady Pirates’ 10 service aces.

The victory was the Lady Pirates’ sixth win in eight matches (6-2) overall, good for third place.

LPU hopes to get it done on Friday opposite the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, its final elimination round assignment.

“Nakahinga na ng maluwag,” said coach Cromwel Garcia after the Lady Pirates pulled off a rare straight-set win. “Actually, short preparation lang kami.”

“Actually, big win para sa amin ito dahil yung sa placing. Pagkatapos nito, magpe-prepare na ulit kami for Perpetual. Kasi sobrang dikit-dikit ang standing namin, gusto naming makalayo ng konti para maka-assure ng spot,” he added.

Earlier, Tina Marasigan had 20 points on 19-of-38 attacks, while KJ Dionisio and Amaka Tan had 11 points apiece as San Sebastian, determined to end its season on a high note, dispatched Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-22, 25-16, 25-17.

After losing their first six matches, the Lady Stags have won two in a row, while sending fellow also-ran Lady Generals to their sixth defeat in seven contests.

In men’s action, Joshua Ramilo had 27 points, including two service aces as EAC bounced back with a 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22 win over the gritty San Sebastian side for its fifth win in seven matches.

The loss, the fourth in eight contests, pushed the Lady Knights to the brink of elimination.

Judiel Nitura and Cha Cuñada had six points apiece for Letran.