INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Dragged into a marathon five setter, the Davao Lady Agilas proved more than equal to the challenge.
The Lady Agilas fought back from two sets down and showed steely resolve in the deciding set to outlast Perpetual Help, 23-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-20, 17-15, Tuesday night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The victory assured the Lady Agilas of at least a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth in Group B, while the Altas kissed their hopes of reaching the next phase goodbye.
The Agilas need to win just one of their last three games to join National University in the next round.
Later, St. Benilde overwhelmed St. Louis University, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20, to complete the quarterfinal cast in Group A.
Jeannete Panaga fired 18 points built on 12 attacks as the Lady Blazers improved to an even 2-2 card and joined Arellano, Ateneo and Adamson in the next round.
Given up for dead after losing the first two sets, the Lady Agilas rallied behind May Shiel Agton and Venus Flores who combined for 41 hits.
Agton, who also played a key role in the victory over Far Eastern U last Sunday, drilled home a couple of points to win it for Davao.
Davao also got solid contributions from Jocemer Tapic and Angel Mae Antipuesto who tossed 14 and 10, respectively.
The Altas missed coach Sammy Acaylar and Mary Joyce Turbino who are representing the country in the Asian Club Championship. Norie Diaz paced them with 18 points.