Fiery Lady Eagles stay on top, trip Lady Stags

DENDEN Lazaro of Ateneo (front) dives to save a nifty placement shot by San Sebastian’s Czarina Berbano (6) as Lady Eagle Phee Nok Kesinee (18) gets into position to provide support in yesterday’s Shakey’s V-League game at Filoil Flying V Arena. Keeping eye on the play are SSC’s Thai reinforcement Jeng Baulee (7) and Mae Crisostomo (8). AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Ateneo still went all out in a game that mattered more to San Sebastian.

Already assured of a semifinal berth, the Lady Eagles refused to ease up and clobbered the Lady Stags, 25-11, 23-25, 25-17, 25-19, to stretch their perfect run to six games in the Shakey’s V-League yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

Thai import Phee Nok Kesinee fired 21 points to led the Lady Eagles, who stalled the Lady Stags’ own bid to secure at least a playoff for a semifinal slot.

“Whether we end up number one or two, it doesn’t matter—what’s important for me is we’re in the Final Four,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb after his Lady Eagles overcame another 30-point explosion from San Sebastian’s Thai star Jeng Bualee.

University of St. La Salle, meanwhile, kept its slim semifinal hopes alive with straight-set victory over Far Eastern University, 25-11, 25-22, 25-15, in the first game.

Sheryl Denila led five Lady Stingers in double figures with 14 points as the Bacolod-based crew rose to 2-4.

“Our positioning was better than [in our previous game],” said St. La Salle coach Roger Banzuela. “Our players stepped up today, particularly (Gianes) Dolar and (Royce) Quijano.”

Quijano posted 12 points for the Lady Stingers, who also overpowered the Lady Tamaraws on attacks, 46-25.

Angeline Gervacio had 17 points and Alyssa Valdez fired four service aces in a 15-point production for the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Stags stayed fourth at 2-2, but must win two of their last three games to advance to the next round.

Rose Benito backed Bualee with nine points.  With reports from Randolph Leongson and Jan Ballesteros, Contributors