By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Enderun College Lady Titans overcame a two-set deficit to stun San Sebastian College Lady Stags, 21-25, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-12, in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila late Sunday night, August 20.
Negrense Erika Jin Deloria was hailed as the Player of the Game for the reigning NAASCU champions as she finished with 17 points, on 16 attacks and a service ace, to go with 15 excellent digs.
Althea Botor exhibited a strong performance on the left side, amassing a game-high 21 points, while Zenneth Peronilo contributed 12 points as the Lady Titans improved to a 1-1 slate.
After dropping their first two sets, the Lady Titans went on a strong run in the third set to stay alive before pulling off two close set victories in the fourth and fifth frame behind Deloria and Botor.
“Nakita namin na kaya naman nila kasi first two sets, leading na kami, hinabol lang nila,” Lady Titans head coach Dong dela Cruz said.
“Sabi ko lang sa kanila, ipakita niyo lang kung sino kayo,” he added.
Tina Marasigan and Kat Santos spearheaded the Lady Stags’ efforts with 19 and 18 points, respectively, but they suffered their second consecutive defeat after losing to the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas last Friday, August 18.
Meanwhile, Mapua University Lady Cardinals stunned their fellow NCAA squad, Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11. The Lady Cardinals improved to 1-1, while the Lady Pirates dropped to 0-2.
Nicole Ong spearheaded the offense for the Lady Cardinals with 12 points on eight kills, three kill blocks and a service ace, while Raisa Ricablanca contributed 17 markers in the win.
“Naging tight ‘yung game. Dito kasi sa V-League, may kino-construct kami na bagong system, kaya minsan nawawala ‘yung mga players. But a win is a win,” Lady Cardinals head coach Aying Estaban said.
Johna Dolorito led the way for the Lady Pirates with 23 points, while Janeth Tulang added 18 markers for the Lady Pirates, which bowed to College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers last Friday in a rematch of last season’s NCAA finals./ASC, WDJ