Perpetual Help overcame Southwestern University’s fighting stance in the final two sets to forge a 25-14, 25-23, 25-22 triumph and secure a quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Sandra delos Santos and Thai Kunbang Pornpimol teamed up for 30 points in the straight-sets victory that improved the Lady Altas’ Group A record to 2-1.
Adamson, meanwhile, dealt a key blow to University of St. La Salle’s own quarterfinal bid with a thrilling five-set triumph, 25-20, 25-22, 24-26, 23-25, 15-9, in the second game of the penultimate day of the eliminations.
Pau Soriano spearheaded the attacks with 28 points and guest player Nerissa Bautista unloaded 27 markers as the Lady Falcons snapped their winless run, 1-2, to stay in quarterfinal contention.
Perpetual joined Group A leaders Ateneo (4-0) and Far Eastern University (2-1) and undefeated Group B squads San Sebastian (3-0) and University of Santo Tomas (3-0) in the next round.
“I think we can do more,” said Perpetual coach Mike Rafael. “We still have to jell because some of the players are still adjusting with our new setter (Shyrra Cabriana).”
With the loss, St. La Salle wrapped up its Group B stint run at 1-3 slate but the Lady Stingers will only know their quarterfinal fate after the results of the remaining games.
“Our players relaxed a bit on reception after the first two sets,” said Adamson assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.
Meanwhile, organizers Moying Martelino and Ricky Palou announced Tuesday that games will be aired on a delayed basis on AKTV on IBC 13 every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. With a report from Randolph B. Leongson, Contributor