PNP logs first Shakey’s win

Philippine National Police leaned on the heroics of Janine Marciano to turn back Far Eastern University, 25-20, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19, and keep its quarterfinal hopes alive in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Marciano tallied 21 hits, including a smash at match point, as the Lady Patrollers bucked a lethargic third set to finally notch their first victory in six outings.

Later, Judy Ann Caballejo struck a personal tournament-best 26 points as Air Force notched a fifth straight win with a 25-20, 12-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-10 nipping of Meralco.

Joy Cases and Maika Ortiz combined for 27 points while setter Wendy Semana also contributed 12 for the Air Women who finished the elimination round with a 5-2 record.

The Power Spikers are already assured of a spot in the quarterfinals, but they dropped to 3-4 for fifth spot in the elimination round.

Playing her finest game since joining PNP, Thai import Patcharee Sangmuang came away with 23 points and seven digs, while Frances Molina finished with 14 hits as the Lady Patrollers tied idle Navy at the No. 6 spot.

The loss snuffed out the Lady Tamaraws’ hopes of reaching the quarterfinals after they suffered their sixth straight loss.

With the victory, PNP made its duel with Navy on Friday a virtual knockout encounter for the last quarterfinals berth.