Pinoy Spikers (Philippine Spike)

THAI import Tip Santrong poured in 26 hits in her smashing debut to help Lyceum beat Adamson for the first time in almost two years with a 19-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21, victory in the Shakey’s V-League first conference Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

In the other game, San Sebastian College blasted reigning CESAFI titlist Southwestern University, 25-17, 25-16, 25-17.
Guest player Suzanne Roces had in 19 points while Joy Benito added 14 hits for the Lady Stags.

Thai import Pitaya Lasungnern was the only bright spot for the debuting Lady Cobras with 13 hits.

“First time lang namin sila (SWU) kaya we don’t know kung ano ang style ng laro nila.  Nahirapan sila dahil they are still adjusting sa kanilang guest player na si Pitayada,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb.

A high-leaping tip-in hit by Santrong gave the Lady Pirates a 23-16 lead before guest player Nene Bautista spearheaded a last-ditch Lady Falcons uprising to move closer to 21-23.

But Lyceum shut the door for Adamson for forge a deciding fifth set when Dalhia Cruz unloaded a kill and skipper Syvie Gay Artates scored her lone point of the game with a match-winning service ace.

This is the first time the Lady Pirates defeated the Lady Falcons since the Intramuros-based squad registered a 25-23, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22 win in their first conference semifinals match-up last May 23, 2008.

In this conference Lyceum last made it to the ‘Final Four’ in the event organized by Sports Vision and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

Last season, the Lady Pirates failed to get into the playoffs in each conference and coach Emil Lontoc is confident that his wards will bounce back to regain their status as one of the elite teams in the league.

Thanks to the entry of Santrong, a six-time member of Thailand national team, which is a powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

“I’m very glad na sinuportahan ng Lyceum management ang aming import (Santrong).  Isa siyang asset sa team at ginaganahan ang mga locals na maglaro,” said Lontoc.

“I think may ilalabas pa ang import namin, anim na araw pa lang siya sa team.  With her, maganda ang chance namin na makapasok sa Top 4,” he added.

The tournament presented by PLDT myDSL and backed by Accel, Mikasa and Mighty Bond.
Joy Cases chipped in 14 hits and Cruz added 10 points for the  Lady Pirates, the 10-time WNCAA champions.
Bautista finished with 16 points while Pau Soriano and guest player Cha-Cha Moralde collected 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Adamson. (TJ)