Lady Altas prevail in five sets

Fourbees-Perpetual Help played with urgency in the fifth set and slipped past Philippine Coast Guard, 25-16, 19-25, 25-22, 26-28, 15-11, yesterday for its first victory in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Failing to wrap up the victory in the fourth frame despite taking an early lead, the Lady Altas showed poise under pressure in the deciding set to score a breakthrough win after three outings.

While Fourbees toiled to prevail, Cagayan Valley coasted to a trouble-free win over newcomer Baguio, 25-11, 25-9, 25-11.

It took just 49 minutes for the Lady Rising Suns to secure their second win and gain the early lead in the tournament.

Marivic Meneses led the onslaught with 11 points, even as Wenneth Eulalio and Angeli Tabaquero combined for 17 for the Lady Rising Suns who held a 43-14 edge on attack points.

Baguio couldn’t get anything going against the Rising Suns as Florence Madulid turned out to be the best scorer with seven points.

Cagayan also enjoyed a 7-2 edge in blocks and had eight service aces.

Jamela Suyat shone with 24 points for the Lady Altas, who also drew superb games from Marijo Medalla, skipper Ana Diocareza and Shallane Eniong. Medalla finished with 15 points as the Lady Altas clinched the win in two hours and 10 minutes.

The Lady Altas climbed to seventh spot while the Lady Dolphins and Baguio fell to the bottom at 0-2.

It took a strong finish from Fourbees-Perpetual to finally put away Coast Guard which closed in at 5-7 after the Lady Altas took an early 4-0 lead.

The Lady Altas, who survived despite committing 36 errors, sealed the victory with their last and 16th block courtesy of Eniong.