MANILA, Philippines — There’s still no stopping Davao’s giant-slaying ways as the Agilas rallied from three points down in the deciding set to shock Ateneo in a gripping five-setter, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-18, 19-17, at the start Thursday of the quarterfinals of Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Agilas, the league newcomer and only provincial squad to make it to the Final Eight, came back from 10-13 deficit and overcame match point twice on gutsy plays anchored on Jocemar Tapic and Princess Joy Oliveros.
Tapic finished with 16 points, including half of the team’s eight service aces, to lead the Agilas past the Lady Eagles, the reigning UAAP women’s champion.
National University had an easier time in overwhelming Arellano University in straight sets, 25-9, 25-14, 25-18, in Group 2.
The Santiago sisters, Dindin and Jaja, pumped in 12 points each to power the Lady Bulldogs on top with a carryover record of 2-0.
“It’s an important victory for us because it put us closer to the semifinals,” said NU coach Ariel dela Cruz. “Our performance was also better compared to our last game.”
Davao and Ateneo wound up with similar 1-1 records in Group 1.
The quarterfinalists, divided into two groups, battle in a single round robin with the top two advancing to the Final Four.
But the teams’ elimination records against the squads in their new group are carried over in their win-loss slate.
Oliveros delivered 14 points and May Agton fired all of her 13 points on kills to help the Agilas score another upset.
Mary Grace Berte also came through in the final stretch to finish with 12 points like Angel Mae Antipuesto for the Agilas.
Alyssa Valdez paced the Lady Eagles with 23 points and Michelle Morente added 20.
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