Ateneo drubs SSC, grabs solo lead

Alyssa Valdez exploded for 25 points as Ateneo fought back from a set down to drub San Sebastian, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-18, last night and  grab the solo lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference.

Rachel Anne Daquis also dished out a solid outing with 11 points as the Lady Eagles chalked up their second straight win for the No. 1 spot in Group A at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Playing for a different team, former Most Valuable Players Mary Jean Balse and Nerissa Bautista still showed they are a force in Arellano’s 25-19, 25-18, 18-25, 22-25, 15-8 win over University of San Carlos.

The two battle-tested veterans came through when it mattered as the Lady Chiefs finally broke through in their first tournament in the V League.

The win, fashioned out in an hour and 47 minutes, boosted the Lady Chiefs to 1-1 in Group B.

“It’s a big factor having them because they’re leading the team,” said Arellano coach Roberto Javier, referring to Balse and Bautista who combined for 33 points. “We made adjustments especially on our first ball.”

With their reception problems sorted out, the Lady Chiefs worked on their attack and Danna Henson gave Javier another option to keep USC guessing.

Henson wound up with 17 points, 13 off kills for the Lady Chiefs, who only got 13 good sets from Diane Ticar.

Chona Gesulga and Suzette Panis finished with 17 apiece for USC, which dropped its second straight game in also its maiden appearance in the V-League.