Ford powers SSC past Navy tossers in Shakey’s V-League

MANILA—Lauren Ford fired a career-high 33 points as San Sebastian came from behind to outlast Philippine Navy, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 24-26, 15-10, Thursday night and keep top spot with Army in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Almost unstoppable on attack and an intimidating presence at the net, Ford sealed the victory for the Lady Stags with two quick kills that put them on match point.
The win avenged the Lady Stags’ lone loss in the elimination round.

Ford’s output was built on an impressive 26 attack points, four blocks and three service aces in a performance that even surprised the former University of South Carolina standout herself.

“It must be the adrenaline and knowing that every game in the quarterfinals is important,” said the 6-foot-2 Ford, who had had stints in professional leagues in Germany, Finland, Spain and Switzerland.

It was Navy’s second loss in three games in the quarterfinals.

Army earlier notched its second win of the round by rallying past Ateneo, 21-25, 25-14, 25-17, 25-17.

The Lady Troopers woke up from a lethargic opening set as sisters Marietta and Michelle Carolino found gaps on the Ateneo backline.

Rarely utilized by coach Rico de Guzman this conference because of Army’s attacking depth, Dahlia Cruz made the most out of her stint in the last two sets, delivering 12 hits.

The Carolino sisters combined for 29 points, while Rachele Ann Daquis had five hits in the first two sets, before she was replaced by Cruz.

Despite getting more attempts on attack, the Lady Eagles found difficulty breaking down a compact Army defense. Fille Cainglet had a team-high 20 points for Ateneo, but she needed 76 attempts to register 17 kills.