MANILA, Philippines – Team Smart needed a big push in the last two set to eke out a come-from-behind 18-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory over Team Shakey’s Sunday in the Shakey's V-League All-Star Game at The Arena in San Juan City.
Former Adamson standout Pau Soriano delivered the match-clinching hit to help seal it for a Smart team that also included Ateneo hot shot Alyssa Valdez, Santo Tomas' Maru Banaticla, Ateneo's Gem Ferrer and National U's Dindin Santiago and Jen Reyes.
Shakey's, which appeared to be headed to victory after taking a 2-1 set advantage, was headed by Phl Army's Mary Jean Balse and Rachel Anne Daquis, Tina Salak, former La Salle star Maureen Penetrante, Jheck Dionela and Michelle Carolino.
The match was spiced up by the participation of guest celebrities Vonne Aquino and Betina Carlos of GMA channel 7, who suited up for Smart and Lala Roque and LJ Reyes also of GMA for Shakey's.
Official Shakey's merchandises including balls with signed autographs by the league's most popular of stars were auctioned before the game as part of the V-League's drive to earn funds that will be donated to relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
Team Smart was coached by Roger Gorayeb while Team Shakey's was mentored by Nes Pamilar, who steered the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns to a title victory over Smart in the last conference.
Also chosen in the All-Star Weekend were Ateneo's Fille Cainglet and Charo Soriano, Army's Lovelyn Gonzaga, San Sebastian's Gretchel Soltones for Team Smart and Ruby de Leon, Aiza Maizo, Suzanne Roces and Angeli Tabaquero for Team Shakey's.The rest, Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, Anthony and David Semerad, Kyle Pascual, Roldan Sara, Jaypee Mendoza and John Ludovice among others, are coming back to continue the tradition.
"Our team captain is the only one leaving us after this season, the rest will be around and hopefully win it again next year," said Fernandez.