Excelroof raps UPHR, clinches playoff spot

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian-Excelroof survived a first set scare then held off Perpetual Help in the next two as it scored a 27-25, 25-21, 25-18 victory for its fourth straight win and at least a playoff for the last quarterfinal berth in the Shakey’s V-League Season 7 second conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Guest player Suzanne Roces, Karen Berbano and Elaine Cruz delivered the last three spikes against a hit by the Altas as the Lady Stags posted their fourth straight sweep to underscore their readiness for the season-ending conference crown.

Thai import Jeng Bualee frolicked with 26 attacks, scoring on quick plays that often pierced through the Altas defenders. She finished with a 27-point output and drew solid backup from Roces, who had 15, and Joy Benito, who tossed in 11 hits.

“Our objective is to win as many games as possible,” said SSC mentor Roger Gorayeb.

The Lady Stags also put up a solid defense to neutralize Perpetual Help’s top hitters throughout the one-hour, 12-minute encounter. No Altas scored in double-digit output as they struggled against the Stags, who also put up a superb floor defense that set up a series of SSC attacks.

Sandra delos Santos made nine hits to pace Perpetual’s scoring parade while Ronerry dela Cruz had eight and Claire Bulatao and Nica Guliman groped for six apiece.

The loss was Perpetual Help’s third against a lone win in the tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision.

Meanwhile,the SSC-Excelroof-Perpetual Help match will be aired earlier at 1 p.m. to give way to the SONA (State of the Nation) Address by President Aquino.

San Sebastian, backed by Excelroof, goes for its fifth straight win against Adamson on Thursday then take on National U on Aug. 1 before winding up its elims campaign against FEU on Aug. 12.

The Lady Stags bucked the Lady Altas spirited game in the first set, leaning on their experience and poise to fend off one of the two newcomers in the league backed by Accel, Mikasa and Excelroof. The Altas tried to keep the game close in the next two frames but just couldn’t get the right hits and the defense needed to stop Bualee and company.