Shakey’s V-League FEU, UST gain share of 2nd

EJ Laure (center) of UST anticipates a placement shot by Jesrael Liberato of Arellano in yesterday’s match at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Far Eastern University manufactured an impressive 25-21, 25-6, 25-17 win over St. Benilde Sunday to grab a share of second place in the quarterfinal round of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.

Bernadeth Pons unloaded 14 points to power the Lady Tamaraws against the listless Lady Blazers, who looked to have fallen asleep defensively in the second set.

The 6-point output was the lowest in a set since University of Batangas scored four points in the first set versus Arellano last Aug. 1.

“We firmed up on our service and reception, so we got the momentum,” said FEU coach Shaq delos Santos.

University of Santo Tomas later forced a three-way tie for second spot after the Tigresses arrested a late meltdown for a 25-21, 25-22, 19-25, 24-26, 15-12 triumph over Arellano.

FEU and UST joined idle National University at 3-1, just a game behind the 4-0 card of leader Ateneo.

After blowing a 2-0 set lead, the Tigresses regained their fiery form in the deciding set where they tallied six of the first seven points to foil the Lady Chief’s comeback bid.

EJ Laure led the Tigresses with 23 points built on 20 kills, a couple of aces and a block, while Pam Lastimosa also knocked in several key hits to finish with 18.

The Lady Chiefs, the reigning NCAA champions, slipped to fifth with a 2-2 record, while the Lady Blazers fell to 0-4.

Honey Royce Tubino added nine points for the Lady Tamaraws, while fellow guest player Jovelyn Gonzaga scored eight.

The Lady Tamaraws unleashed 38 spikes, more than double the measly 15 of the Lady Blazers.

“We were challenged when we lost to NU,” Delos Santos said of the Lady Tamaraws, whose elimination sweep bid was spoiled by the Lady Bulldogs last week.