MANILA, Philippines - Colegio San Agustin outlasted defending titlist Hope Christian HS in a thrilling match to make the semifinals opposite Angeles University Foundation over the weekend in the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League at the Arellano gym in Legarda.
Veterans Denden Lazaro, Ingrid Reyes and Natasha Faustino combined for 42 points at the head of a fiery offensive as the CSA tossers salvaged the 2-hour, 15-minute quarterfinal round match, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-7.
The AUF spikers made it after beating University of the East in another thriller, 27-29, 25-14, 25-20, 15-25, 22-20.
Dela Salle Lipa downed San Antonio de Padua while University of Santo Tomas beat School of St. James to arrange the other semifinal duel in the tournament backed by Petron Treats, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.
Powered by Alyssa Valdez, Maru Banaticla and Dindin Santiago who amassed 14 kills, the UST girls blasted SSJ in three sets, 25-15, 25-20, 25-21 while DLS-Lipa whipped San Antonio de Padua, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18.
The semifinals will be held this Sunday at the same venue with DLS-Lipa meeting UST at 10:30 a.,m. and AUF taking on CSA at 2 p.m. with the winner to dispute the championship in a one-game playoff on March 1.
Meantime, the Shakey’s GVL regional elims begin on Feb. 26 with 12 teams vying for the right to represent Tacloban City in the tournament proper.
The national championship is scheduled in Bacolod City.