Lady Tams wrest Shakey’s V-L lead

PUP’s Kristie Madrinico sets the ball up off FEU’s Bernadeth Pons at San Juan Arena yesterday. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

FAR EASTERN University’s attacking prowess proved too much for Polytechnic University of the Philippines as the Lady Tamaraws roared to an easy 25-16, 25-14, 25-14 triumph for the solo Group A lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Finding too many open spots, the Lady Tamaraws slotted in a total of 45 spikes against a struggling PUP side that could only launch 14 kills.

FEU star Bernadeth Pons had 11 attacks and a pair of aces  and guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga tallied 10 points before sitting out the last set.

NCAA champion Arellano earlier spoiled National University’s bid to join the Lady Tamaraws on top with a 25-23, 25-18, 19-25, 25-22 victory.

Menchie Tubiera, Danna Henson and Carmina Aganon spearheaded the Lady Chiefs’ strong outing against the Lady Bulldogs, who struggled without two of their key cogs.

“We really needed to play our best to beat them,” said Tubiera after the Lady Chiefs—who rebounded from a four-set upset loss to the Lady Tamaraws last week—tied their victim in second place at 2-1.

In Group B, San Sebastian picked up its first win with a 25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19 tripping of Technical Institute of the Philippines.

Jolina Labiano starred with 16 attacks, three blocks and a couple of aces in a 21-point output for the Lady Stags, who remained at the bottom half of the standings at 1-2 along with the Lady Engineers.

Tubiera unloaded all of her 13 points off kills and Aganon, the former NU standout who suited up as an Arellano guest player, tormented her alma mater with 11 hits.

Henson finished with 10 points, including three of the Lady Chiefs’ four aces.

Jaja Santiago powered the Lady Bulldogs anew with a game-high 20 points, but NU sorely missed the support of older sister and guest player Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Myla Pablo.

Santiago-Manabat and Pablo skipped the match to train for the Philippine team set to see action in the VTV Invitational in Vietnam.

Mary Remy Palma, Honey Royce Tubino and Toni Rose Basas also helped the Lady Tamaraws finish off the Lady Radicals in straight sets with a combined 20 points.

“We need to be more cohesive as a team,” said FEU coach Shaq delos Santos after his Lady Tamaraws remained as the only unbeaten team in Group A.

The Lady Radicals skidded to their third straight loss.