UST Tigresses spoil Davao Agilas’ streak, gain quarterfinals

CARMELA Tunay hammers a floater off Davao’s May Shiel Agton (left) and Angel Mae Antipuesto in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Banking on keen preparation, University of Santo Tomas spoiled Davao’s splendid run, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-17, Sunday to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Carmela Tunay and Pam Lastimosa punched in a combined 39 points as the Tigresses pinned a first loss in four games on the Agilas in Group B.

UST coach Odjie Mamon said the Tigresses made the most out of their two-week layoff by studying the Agilas, the surprise performer this conference who had hoped to stay as the only unbeaten squad in the tournament.

“We really prepared for Davao,” said Mamon.

Adamson also overpowered St. Benilde, 25-9, 25-19, 27-25, to forge a three-way tie on top in Group A.

The Lady Falcons wrapped up the game in straight sets even with ace hitters Shiela Pineda sitting out the last two frames and Pau Soriano also riding the bench in the final set.

Mylene Paat and Thai reinforcement Pacharee Sangmuang tossed in 10 points each to lead the Lady Falcons, who joined idle Ateneo and Arellano at 4-1.

Tunay and Lastimosa delivered the telling hits, combining for 34 of the team’s 54 attacks to help the Tigresses rise from a set down.

The Agilas fell into a tie with the Tigresses at 3-1, even with Jocemer Tapic (17 points) and May Agton (16) posting their usual numbers.

Rookie standout Ennajie Laure and Marivic Meneses, who posted four blocks, also combined for 17 points to help the Tigresses streak to their third straight victory.