La Salle-Dasma books V-League q’finals slot, survives Benilde

Lady Patriots celebrate victory which puts them in the V-League quarterfinals. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It needed extension after extension but De La Salle University-Dasmariñas trumped College of St. Benilde, 25-19, 25-21, 15-25, 18-25, 16-14, in the final elimination match of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Sunday at San Juan Arena.

Iumi Yongco came through in the clutch for the Lady Patriots scoring both the match point and the final to seal La Salle-Dasmariñas’ entry to the quarterfinals and eliminate San Sebastian and Technological Institute of the Philippines in the process.

With the Lady Blazers assured of a quarterfinals spot, as a loss would’ve pit the the Lady Patriots against the Lady Golden Stags and Lady Engineers in a quotient battle.

Lady Patriots head coach Raymond Ramirez said they have to play with heart and just enjoy the game to prevent another meltdown reminiscent of their opening loss to TIP.

“We had to fight, the game’s not over,” Ramirez said after his team finished the eliminations with a 2-3 record. “We have to use our heart, enjoy the game, and do what is right.”

La Salle Dasmariñas had the 14-13 match point but an error gave the Lady Blazers an extension, 14-14, that could have given them the victory.

Mariebeth Lara led the Lady Patriots with 17 points while Desiree Dadang added 12.

Yongco had 11 points for La Salle-Dasmariñas.

Jannine Navarro led the 2-3 CSB with 18 points while Jeanette Panaga added 16. CFC