Cherry Rose Macatangay unleashed 21 of her 22 hits on attacks as the Lady Stags finally snapped a five-game skid in the double-round semis of the tournament bankrolled by Shakey’s Pizza.
"Maganda ’tong panalong ito dahil kahit papaano bumalik na ulit ang pride at confidence ng mga bata," said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, whose wards surprised the field with a superb performance in the elims only to falter in the semis.
Skipper Jennifer Bohawe, who led San Sebastian to numerous NCAA indoor volley and national beach volley crowns in the late 90s, fired 17 points, 15 of them coming on kills.
The Lady Stags hope to draw the same level of play from Macatangay, who spearheads the country’s campaign in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games set Nov. 27-Dec. 5 in Bacolod City, and Bohawe when they take on the Lady Eagles again in a best-of-three duel for third place on Monday at the Makati Coliseum.
Ateneo, which finished with two triumphs and four losses in the semis, wasn’t as unrelenting and cohesive as before against San Sebastian, perhaps conserving its energy and strength for Monday’s game of the event backed by Accel, Mikasa, Dunkin’ Donuts, IBC-13, the Philippine Sports Commission and Jemah Television.
Ateneo mentor Louie Gepuela even allowed his college players to see action and drew the best from Patricia Lynn Taganas and Rosario Soriano, who combined for 18 points in a no-relief job.