SKIPPER Fille Cainglet fired 17 points as Ateneo registered its second successive straight sets win in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-21 decision of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
In the first game, Philippine Army rebounded from a first set loss to turn back Philippine Navy, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23.
“Maganda ang iginagalaw ng mga bata. Satisfied naman ako sa ginagawa nila, although kailangan lamang ayusin na lamang ng mga bata yung receiving,” said Lady Eagles coach Parley Tupaz.
Former high school star Alyssa Valdez added 10 hits for Ateneo, which moved a win away in clinching a quarterfinals berth.
Norie Diaz registered 10 hits while Sandra delos Santos added eight hits, including two blocks, for the Lady Altas.
Michelle Carolino dropped 26 hits, including two blocks, while Joanne Bunag unloaded all of her 20 points from attacks for the Army.
A block by Mary Jean Balse allowed the Army to move closer to match point, 24-19, when Navy made a last stand, scoring four straight points capped by a running spike by Suzanne Roces to threaten at 23-24.
But the Army sealed the win with Carolino connecting on a match-winning kill.
The two military teams, both regular fixtures in the AFP Olympics, battled it out for one hour and 51 minutes.
“Kahit saang liga, palagi kaming close fight ng Navy,” said Cpl. Rico de Guzman, a former University of Santo Tomas player who is the Army coach.
“Ang problema namin ay yung receive. Iyan ang inaayos namin,” he added.
Suzanne Roces led the Navy with 20 hits, including four blocks, while guest player Nene Bautista added 16 points, and Michelle Laborte chipped in 15 points for the Navy.
“Importante kasi sa amin ang V-League dahil bihira lang ang mga military teams na makalaro sa labas. Maganda ito, especially para sa mga college graduates na gusto pang magpatuloy ng kanilang volleyball careers,” said de Guzman. (TJ)
