3-way fight on for Shakey’s V-League semifinal berths

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo takes on co-leader San Sebastian-Excelroof Sunday in a match that could decide the Lady Eagles’ semifinal ambition in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 Second Conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Lady Eagles, reeling from back-to-back losses to Lyceum and Adamson that dropped them to 6-4, try to figure out a way to stop the Lady Stags’ vaunted attack and pull off their first win in the quarterfinal round in the showdown set at 4 p.m.   With Far Eastern U and Lyceum breathing down its neck, Ateneo is hard-pressed to clinch at least two victories in its last three games to safely gain passage to the next round.   The Lady Pirates and Lady Tamaraws meet at 6 p.m. in another important clash that could eventually determine which team clinches the fourth and last semifinal berth.   Lyceum and Far Eastern U hold identical 5-5 cards and the winner in today’s match will firm up its grip on the No. 4 spot.   Adamson guns for a tournament-high eighth straight victory against National U in the first game at 2 p.m.   Both Adamson and San Sebastian are already assured of semifinal berths.   While Lyceum got blown out by a formidable San Sebastian squad last Thursday, FEU, drawing superb games from its fringe players, posted a confidence-building victory over National U that snapped a three-game slide.   But the Lady Pirates are always a threat with former league MVP Mary Jean Balse leading their attack. Balse, rediscovering her old, fiery form, slammed 27 points in a losing cause against the Lady Stags.   Despite the presence of Thai import Surasawadee Boonyuen, the Lady Eagles have struggled in the quarterfinal round.