Ateneo downs Lyceum in V-League thriller

MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo got back on the winning track by outlasting Lyceum in a marathon five-set thriller Sunday night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 second conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   Ateneo’s Thai import, Surasawadee Boonyuen, unloaded 23 points as she powered the Lady Eagles to a pulsating 25-10, 17-25, 16-25, 25-22, 15-12 victory.   The third win in four outings pushed the Lady Eagles to solo third, behind early quarterfinalists San Sebastian (5-1) and Adamson (4-2).   Despite its third loss in six matches, Lyceum’s chances of making the next round still look better than National U (2-3), Perpetual Help (1-4) and St. Benilde (0-5).   Though the Lady Pirates were the more efficient team overall with 10 fewer errors and seven more attack points, the Lady Eagles proved steadier in the deciding set.   Surasawadee broke a 12-all tie with an open attack, before a tip at the net by Ateneo setter Jem Ferrer put the Lady Eagles at match point.   An attacking error by Mary Jean Balse doomed the Lady Pirates, who finally yielded in an hour and 45 minutes.   Angeline Gervacio and Ma. Carmina Acevedo contributed 10 points each for the Lady Eagles, who could clinch a quarterfinal berth with a victory over St. Benilde on Thursday.   The Lady Eagles, who opened the tournament with two victories before bowing to San Sebastian in straight sets, offset a 4-10 deficit in blocks by firing 12 service aces, with Surasawadee and Acevedo accounting for four apiece.