GAMES FRIDAY (The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m.—Lyceum vs Adamson
4 p.m.—Ateneo vs SSC-R
MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian College and Adamson University showed no ill effects of their almost three-week vacation as they dispatched separate foes at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Season 5 semifinal round at The Arena in San Juan City Tuesday.
The Lady Stags beat the Lyceum Lady Pirates for the third time in as many meetings this season, posting a 25-16, 25-19, 25-16 victory, behind the combined 31 hits of come-backing Thai import Bualee Jaroensri and Rysabelle Devanadera.
The Pirates’ top spikers, Bernadette Satsatin and Dahlia Cruz, accounted for only 10 hits between them.
The Lady Falcons followed suit with a 25-16, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21 win over the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, whom they have also beaten twice in the elimination phase.
Ateneo and Lyceum now face must-win situations on Friday against San Sebastian and Adamson, respectively, if they want to make it to the best-of-three finals.
San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb said the Lady Stags did not have to resort to anything spectacular in beating the Lady Pirates.
“We just leaned on our experience since the semifinals is an entirely different level,” said SSC coach Rogelio Gorayeb, seeking a first V-League crown after three consecutive runner-up finishes. “All games are crucial.”
The 17-day layoff likewise did not affect Adamson guest player Neriza Bautista and Michelle Segodine, whose defensive efforts slowed down Ateneo’s Thai import Em-orn Phanusit in the last two sets.
“We made adjustments in the third set since we couldn’t control Phanusit,” said Adamson coach Dulce Pante. “It was a good thing that our blocking improved in the last two frames.”
Bautista led Adamson’s charge anew with 22 points, including 19 hits, while Rissa Jane Laguilles and Angela Benting chipped in 20 and 18 points, respectively. Segodine made 10.
Phanusit finished with 25 attacks while Charo Soriano had 12 points for the Lady Eagles.
San Sebastian allowed Lyceum to equalize twice in the second set, the last at 17-all.
