THAI import Jeng Bualee exploded for a Shakey’s V-League record 40 points as San Sebastian dragged its semifinal series with University of Santo Tomas to a deciding third game after a pulsating 22-25, 29-27, 14-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Still in search of her first V-League crown in 10 conferences, Bualee came out firing from all angles as the Lady Stags lived to fight another day against a UST side that is finding it hard to cope with the injury of its guest player Mary Jean Balse.
Game 3 is slated Thursday.
Bualee’s output in the match that lasted close to two hours eclipsed the 38-point performance of compatriot and former Ateneo import Keawbundit Sontaya two years ago.
Almost lost in the din of Bualee’s record-breaking performance was Ateneo’s comprehensive 25-23, 25-11, 25-23 victory that clinched the first finals berth for the defending champion Lady Eagles.
Phee Nok Kesinee fired 17 points, while Suzanne Roces and Angeline Gervacio contributed 10 points each as the Lady Eagles bucked the absence of skipper Gretchen Ho to stay unbeaten in 10 matches.
“Phee Nok was an inspiration to her teammates with her blocking,” said Ateneo mentor Roger Gorayeb, who is seeking to be the first coach in the league to win the championship with two different teams.
Ateneo’s lead hitter Alyssa Valdez saw limited action, but the Lady Altas couldn’t sustain a strong start as they failed to nail a championship berth in their first semifinal appearance in the V-League.