V-League: Falcons, Stags dispute last semifinals berth

Adamson University arranged a knockout match for the last semifinals seat in Group I with San Sebastian College following a straight set win over University of St. La Salle, 25-16, 25-17, 25-19 late Tuesday, in the quarterfinal round of the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 first conference at The Arena in San Juan. Nene Bautista posted 15 points, including 13 hits, while skipper Angela Benting chipped in 13 markers as the Lady Falcons forged a tie with the Lady Stags in second spot with identical 1-1 slates.

Lyceum booked a seat early in the next round after winning its first two games. Adamson and San Sebastian dispute the last semifinals berth in their group when they in the final scheduled quarterfinal match on May 13. “We need to go all out against San Sebastian. We feel we can match up with them and we have to do that because it’s a no tomorrow game," said Lady Falcons mentor Dulce Pante. USLS officially bowed out of contention after absorbing their second straight setback in this round. Earlier, Ateneo de Manila defeated Southwestern University, 25-22, 25-12, 25-23 despite the absence of guest player Charo Soriano and top blocker Bea Pascual. Soriano got injured in their recent practice session while Pascual was on vacation in the United States. Thai import Sontanya Keawbundit and Fille Cainglet stepped up in the absence of their teammates as they tallied 14 hits apiece in powering the Lady Eagles over the Lady Cobras. It was the second straight win by Ateneo, which wound up in a tie with University of Santo Tomas in Group II leadership with identical 2-0 slates. The Lady Cobras absorbed their second setback in the quarterfinal round and were eliminated alongside the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers. - RCJ, GMANews.TV