MANILA, Philippines—Expect Jeng Bualee to always be there to bail San Sebastian out.
Bualee, two points away from setting a scoring record in the Shakey’s V-League, scored six points in the fifth set as San Sebastian hammered out a 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-5 victory over Far Eastern University Sunday.
The veteran Thai import finished with a stunning 37-point output—two off blocks—and the Lady Stags placed one foot into the semifinals with a 3-2 card.
“Jeng (Bualee) is really the only one we can count on during times like that,” said head coach Clint Malazo.
Ateneo’s erstwhile Thai import Sontaya Keawbundit still is accountable for scoring a record 38 points.
Reliable veteran Joy Benito added 22 points for San Sebastian and provided the needed back-up for Bualee but coach Malazo, though, yearned for more support from the regular cast.
“Our regular players relied too much on Bualee; that has become our problem. It’s a good thing Benito is starting to play well,” added Malazo.
The Lady Tamaraws, who were eliminated from contention with the loss, held their ground for four sets—matching the Lady Stags’ intensity all throughout.
But energy suddenly fluctuated in the most important set and FEU found itself in a 1-9 hole in the final set, which was simply too deep to claw out of.
Guest player Eve Sanorseang tried to spark a run, but could only manage two points in that set but nonetheless finished with a commendable 28 points.