Adamson, National forge tie for third

Former national team standout Michelle Laborte summoned her old, fearsome form as Adamson rallied from a set down to pip Lyceum, 25-20, 22-25, 21-26, 25-16, 15-7, last night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 second conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The 5-foot-10 Laborte dominated the net in the deciding set, coming through with crucial blocks that stymied Lyceum’s attack and lifted the Lady Falcons to their second win in three outings.

“She’s really an elite blocker,” said Adamson coach Dulce Pante of the Bacolod-born Laborte, 30, who finished with 14 points. “Her presence really helped us pull through.”

Nerissa Bautista shrugged off the ill-effects of a flu by firing 26 points, while Angela Benting contributed 18 points as Adamson enhanced its title credentials.

National University grabbed a share of third with Adamson after pummeling a surprisingly lethargic Perpetual Help side, 25-14, 25-20, 25-22, in the battle of newcomers.

Aleona Denise Santiago and Mervic Mangui tossed 14 hits each as the Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a straight-set defeat to Adamson last Sunday.

NU coach Francis Vicente said Perpetual Help’s token resistance, which came after the Lady Altas’ shocking win over Adamson in their debut and a gallant effort that fell short against Ateneo, should not take anything away from his team.

“We really prepared hard for this coming off that loss to Adamson,” said Vicente. “We studied their games. Winning this game means a lot to us because that Perpetual Help team has played well in the tournament.”

National converted 19 more attacks, served seven more aces and committed eight errors fewer than Perpetual.