Lady Eagles, 2 others advance to quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo and Perpetual Help fashioned out a pair of straight-set victories over their respective rivals to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Shakey’s V-League eighth season at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan while Southwestern University made it to the Last 8 for the first time due to forfeiture.

The Lady Eagles played just good enough to trounce the Lady Cobras, 25-16, 25-15, 25-15, in a 61-minute demolition job to move within a win from sweeping the five-team Group A elims.

Earlier, the Lady Altas, on the other hand, outsteadied the St. Benilde Blazes and carved out a 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 victory to match the Eagles’ 3-0 slate in Group B.

Before bowing to Ateneo, SWU notched its third win after the league found Lyceum fielded in an ineligible player in Carla Benedicto when the Lady Pirates held off the Cobras, 21-25, 27-25, 25-16, 25-15, last April 5.

A transferee from UST, Benedicto was not included in the Lyceum roster in the WNCAA, thus making her ineligible to play for Lyceum in the league, which only allows each team to use two guest players. Lyceum already has Mary Jean Balse and Dahlia Cruz as reinforcements.

The forfeiture came after the league also nullified Adamson’s win over Perpetual Help last Tuesday after the Falcons also used an ineligible player in Faye Guevarra.

Guest players Alyssa Valdez and Thai Lithawat Kesinee unloaded 16 hits apiece while Dzi Gervacio and Fille Cainglet added eight and six points, respectively, for the Eagles, seeking their first-ever championship in the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and backed by Mikasa as official ball and Accel as official outfitter.

“We have a deep bench, and it proves the versatility of the team. I made sure that I have to maximize and give opportunity to others like Aerieal (Patnongon) and Ella (de Jesus), they have their time to shine,” said Ateneo coach Charo Soriano, referring to her two reserves, who combined for eight hits.

Danika Gendrauli made seven hits while Danalie Baquiro and Rapril Aguilar added four points apiece for the Cobras, who closed out their elims campaign with a 3-1 card.

Sandra delos Santos came through with 10 kills and three blocks and finished with 14 hits while April Sarting came away with 10 points, spiked by nine attacks, to power the Lady Altas to their third straight win and into the Last 8 phase.

UPH’s run included a win by forfeiture over fancied Adamson last Tuesday, keeping the team on track for a first-ever crack at the crown in the league organized by Sports Vision.