Ateneo spikers advance to semis; Pirates gain playoff

Thai import Em-orn Phanusit fired a personal-best 27 hits as Ateneo battled back from a set down to turn back Far Eastern U, 19-25, 25-15, 25-14, 25-22, yesterday to clinch the third semifinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 5 at The Arena in San Juan.

Ma. Rosario Soriano came through with a block off Marigail Tolentino while Patricia Taganas rammed in her 13th and final kill to finish off the Lady Tams, who closed to within, 22-23, in a tightly-fought fourth set.

The win was Ateneo’s fourth straight in the single round quarters as it joined Adamson and San Sebastian in the semifinals of the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision.

“They have improved a lot in the quarters and the teamwork is there,” said Ateneo coach Michelle Laborte, who vowed to sweep the quarters for the much-needed momentum in the next round.

Cherry Vivas scored a career-high 18 points while Shaira Gonzalez fired 16 hits for FEU, which bowed out of the semis race with a 1-3 card.

Earlier, Lyceum struggled against a surprisingly tough St. Benilde side but pulled off a 25-22, 25-19, 31-29 victory just the same to assure itself of

a playoff for the last semis slot in the tournament backed by Active White skin whitening products, Mail and More, ICT Call Center, 100Plus Energy Drink, Mikasa and Accel.

Beverly Boto blasted a kill to shatter a 29-all count in the third set then Giza Yumang’s attack on the other went wide, giving the Pirates the marginal points for the win, their third straight since losing to Ateneo at the start of the single round quarterfinal phase.

“We were a little bit overconfident but got lucky in the end,” said Lyceum coach Emil Lontoc. “I’m glad Dahlia (Cruz) and Jane (Jarin) stepped up.”

With a 3-1 card, the Pirates moved up to solo second behind the unbeaten Lady Eagles. More importantly, it assured them of a crack at the fourth and last semis seat in case another team clinches the No. 2 spot.

But Lyceum will surely go for the last semis berth Friday when it shoots for its fourth win in row against Univ. of St. La Salle-Bacolod, another contender with a 2-1 mark.

Boto, the league’s leading scorer with a 17.6 norm, and Dahlia Cruz wound up with 14 points apiece for Lyceum but it was Jane

Jarin who sparkled with 13 hits as she led the Pirates’ charge in

the third set when the Blazers refused to give up.