Pinoy Spikers (Philippine Spike)

LYCEUM fought off a stubborn Perpetual Help side and hacked out a 26-24, 25-16, 25-21 victory Thursday to enhance its quarterfinal bid in the Shakey’s V-League second conference at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Pirates neutralized the Lady Altas superb blocking with timely hits, pooling 48 spikes against their rivals’ 33, while holding their own in floor defense and reception, clinching the win in 1:13 and boosting their mark to 3-2 (win-loss).

In the second game, Rachel Daquis and Monique Tiangco combined for 21 hits as Far Eastern University walloped National University, 25-11, 25-19, 25-14, for its third win in five games.

The Lady Bulldogs fell to 2-2 card. Although Lyceum did it in three, the Intramuros-based spikers had to sweat it out to pull through in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision, needing an extra point in the opening frame before hanging tough in the third.

Former MVP Mary Jean Balse rammed in 21 hits, while Joy Cases and Dahlia Cruz tossed in 15 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Pirates. Read the rest of this entry »

SAN Sebastian-Excelroof survived a first set scare then held off University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the next two as it scored a 27-25, 25-21, 25-18 victory for its fourth straight win in the Shakey’s V-League second conference at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Guest player Suzanne Roces, Karen Berbano and Elaine Cruz delivered the last three spikes against a hit by the Lady Altas as the Lady Stags posted their fourth straight sweep to underscore their readiness for the season-ending conference crown.

In the second game, Lyceum plummeled College of Saint Benilde, 25-13, 25-13, 25-13, for its second win in four starts.

Guest player Mary Jean Balse had 18 points, includig three blocks, while Joy Cases had 15 points for the Lady Pirates. The Lady Blazers fell to 0-4.

Thai import Jeng Bualee frolicked with 27 points, 26 attacks, scoring on quick plays that often pierced through the Perpetual Help defenders.

Roces added 15 hits, and Joy Benito tossed in 11 hits for San Sebastian.

With the win, the Lady Stags have already assured themselves of a playoff for the last quarterfinals berth in the event organized by Sports Vision and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

“Our objective is to win as many games as possible,” said San Sebastian mentor Roger Gorayeb. The Lady Stags also put up a solid defense to neutralize the Lady Altas’ top hitters throughout the one-hour, 12-minute encounter. No Perpetual Help player scored in double-digit output to typify their struggle against the San Sebastian.

Sandra delos Santos made nine hits, including two blocks for the Lady Altas. Ronerry dela Cruz had 8 points, while Claire Bulatao and guest player Nica Guliman added six points apiece for Perpetual Help, which lost three straight after winning its conference opener against Adamson.

The event is supported by Accel, Mikasa and Excelroof.  (TJ)