Adamson, Ateneo whip V-L semis foes

ADAMSON’s Michelle Laborte hammers it in against St. La Salle. August dela Cruz

ADAMSON reduced a former league star into a fumbling recruit as the Lady Falcons clobbered University of St. La Salle in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to claim the opener of their Shakey’s V-League semifinal series yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Nerissa Bautista and Angela Benting powered Adamson’s attacks against a St. La Salle side that struggled with former league MVP Aiza Maizo, who was tapped recently to reinforce the Bacolod-based team in the best-of-three duel.

“I think it showed that their setter still wasn’t familiar with Maizo,” said Adamson coach Dulce Pante. “We saw that they weren’t able to fully adjust to Maizo’s attacking game, so we knew how to defend her.”

The power-hitting Maizo, a former University of Santo Tomas star who towed the Tigresses to six crowns, wound up with a measly seven points.

Ateneo also moved within a win of a championship berth after downing National University, 25-27, 25-14, 25-10, 25-19, in the other Final Four series.

The Lady Eagles came out dominating from the second frame with Alyssa Valdez, Thai import Kesinee Lithawat and Fille Cainglet lifting them from a shaky start.

Valdez starred with 25 points, while Kesinee had 18 points, including half of her team’s eight blocks, and three service aces.

Bautista fired a game-high 21 points, 18 coming off spikes, to lead Adamson closer to a second straight title.

“We had the advantage in defense,” said Pante. “And I think we were able to handle the pressure better.”

Benting tossed in 12 markers and Pau Soriano also had 10 points for the Lady Falcons.

The Lady Stingers, the surprise group topnotcher in the eliminations and quarterfinals, tried to avert a sweep after tying the match at 22 in the third frame.