Shakey’s V-League semis begins; SSC, Adamson favored

MANILA, Philippines– San Sebastian and Adamson look to continue their mastery over separate opponents respectively as the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 Second Conference semifinals starts today at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   The Lady Stags tangle with the FEU Lady Tamaraws at 2 p.m. in Game 1 of their best-of-three series, before the Lady Falcons and the Lyceum Lady Pirates take the floor at 4 p.m. for their own semifinal opener.  After dominating the earlier stages, San Sebastian and Adamson, which both finished with identical 10-2 records, are favored in their respective duels.    But FEU coach Nes Pamilar believes his squad has the firepower to prevent the showdown that everyone expected right at the start of the tournament.   “We’ll find a way to stop San Sebastian,” Pamilar guaranteed after his Lady Tamaraws hammered out a 24-26, 26-24, 25-20, 25-19 victory over Ateneo for the last semifinal berth. Foremost on Pamilar’s game plan is to limit the production of Thai import Jeng Bualee, the league’s leading scorer, and Suzanne Roces, who scores heavily on running sets and quick plays.    FEU’s formidable defense was on display against Ateneo with veteran Michelle Carolino, benefiting from her move to utility player from central spiker, contributing significantly in blocking. The Lady Tamaraws have twice to the Lady Stags, whose two setbacks were dealt by Adamson.    Against the third-ranked Lady Pirates, the Lady Falcons will have their hands full battling the in-form Mary Jean Balse, who fired a conference-high 37 points against Ateneo three weeks ago.