UP keeps Shakey’s bid alive; Pocari triumphs

File – UP Lady Maroons. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

JUST when University of the Philippines looked headed for an early exit a week ago, the Lady Maroons managed to pull off a turnaround and may even snap up the last Final Four berth.

Leaning on their young guns anew, the Lady Maroons overpowered National U, 25-22, 25-27, 25-13, 25-22, to stay in the semifinal hunt in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference yesterday at Philsports Arena.

Diano Carlos starred with 22 points, built on 14 kills, six blocks and a couple of aces, as the Lady Maroons booted out the Lady Bulldogs.

The Lady Maroons tied idle Team Laoag at the fourth spot at 3-3, while the Lady Bulldogs bowed out with a 3-4 record.

“As long as there’s a chance, we’ll go for it,” said UP coach Jerry Yee.

Pocari Sweat, Bali Pure and Philippine Air Force already clinched Final Four berths.

Pocari fought back from two sets down to carve out a 21-25, 6-25, 26-24, 27-25, 19-17 decision against Bali Pure later in the night.

Myla Pablo scored on an off-the-block hit as the Lady Warriors finally clinched the stirring come-from-behind victory after blowing five match points and moved within a win of an elimination round sweep.

It was a big turnaround for Pocari Sweat, which appeared headed for a blowout after losing the first two sets.

Earlier, Bounty Fresh picked up its first win with a 20-25, 25-14, 17-25, 25-22, 19-17 decision over Philippine Navy in a battle of eliminated teams in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.

Cignal (4-0), Air Force (3-1), Instituto Estetico Manila (3-1) and Sta. Elena

(2-2) round out the men’s semifinalists.