San Sebastian escapes Perpetual Help; Bualee is MVP of Shakey’s V-League

MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian outlasted Perpetual Help for a taut 25-14, 25-23, 16-25, 32-34, 15-9 victory in game one of the showdown for third place Sunday in the 9th Shakey’s V-League First Conference.

Jeng Bualee, who was adjudged as this season’s Most Valuable Player, emerged once more as the top scorer with 34 points to carry the Lady Stags to a win away from a bronze finish.

The Thai reinforcement, who has never won a title in the V-League, also finished as the season’s Best Scorer – having a string of impressive 30-point games in the eliminations and the playoffs.

Joy Benito, who only had a measly output when the Lady Stags were ousted by the UST Tigresses in the semifinals, finished with 24 points.

The Lady Stags squandered a two-set edge and were outpointed in classic fourth set, 34-32, but pulled through for the win in the decisive fifth set.

Meanwhile, Utaiwan Kaensing and Judy Caballejo of UST, which is playing in the finals at press time, bagged the Best Attacker and Best Server plums, respectively.

Lithawat Kesinee, Jem Ferrer and Den Lazaro of Ateneo, which is trying to win back-to-back titles, scored the Best Blocker, Best Setter and Best Receiver awards, in that order.

Perpetual Help’s Angelique Dionela got the Best Digger citation and Sandra de los Santos got the Most Improved Player title.

The Lady Altas and the Lady Stags clash again in game two set on Tuesday, 2 p.m., at the Arena in San Juan city.