Ateneo keeps clean Shakey’s V-League slate
ATENEO turned an expected tight showdown into a rout, cruising to a trouble-free 25-18, 25-17, 25-23 victory over Arellano last night at the start of the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Alyssa Valdez scored 14 points and Rachel Anne Daquis wound up with 12, including three straight to wrap up the third set, as the Lady Eagles stayed unbeaten in five matches in the tournament and assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semifinal berth.
Fille Cainglet contributed eight points, three off service aces, for the Lady Eagles who warmed up for their highly anticipated showdown with fellow unbeaten team National U on Sunday.
Adamson also moved one step closer of claiming a semifinal berth with a 25-20, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20 triumph over San Sebastian in the first game.
Playing with poise and power, Angela Benting and Pau Soriano combined for 37 points for the Lady Falcons, who got a surprising lift from Shiela Pineda.
With the San Sebastian defense focused on Benting and Soriano, Pineda got into a rhythm early, giving the Lady Falcons an added weapon on attack.
Just like the Lady Eagles, the Lady Falcons improved to 2-0 with one more match remaining in their schedule.
The loss virtually shut the semifinal door on the Lady Stags, who have won only one game so far in the tournament, despite getting another big game from Jeng Bualee, who had 25 points.
Daquis underlined her reputation as a solid player under pressure with a quick spike to tie the match at 23 and score on a well-placed drop that put the Lady Eagles at match point, which she later converted.
“I needed to step up because I am one of the leaders of the team,” said Dacquis. With a report from Nicolo Pascual
