Western Visayas spikers roll into Shakey’s T-of-C semis

MANILA, Philippines – Western Visayas survived a second-set meltdown before prevailing over Northern Luzon, 25-11, 19-25, 25-14, to book a semifinal berth in the Shakey's Girls' Volleyball League Season 11 Tournament of Champions at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday.

The bets from Central Philippines University-Iloilo poured it all in the deciding set to secure their third straight triumph in Pool A of the event sponsored by Shakey’s and organized by Metro Sports. That assured the WV bets of a Final Four stint regardless of the outcome of their last elims showdown with defending champion National Capital Region, represented by Hope Christian High School, Thursday.

"The team relaxed a bit in the second set so in the third, I told them to give it their all so that we'll be guaranteed of our place in the semis," said WVI coach Jeffrey Alcarde whose team paced NCR (2-0 at presstime) in Pool A.

Sisters Julie Ann and Princess Anne Robles spearheaded WVI's assault in the deciding set against NLU's Baguio City National HS, punching in a combined 10 kills as the Ilonggas raced to 16-5 cushion and didn't let this one slip away.

Julie Ann Robles finished 11 points for WVI, which is seeking to duplicate its championship feat in 2011 in the annual event backed by Mikasa, Asics, Tune Hotel, Burlington, BioFresh, Food Health and Science Magazine.

Southern Luzon's La Salle Lipa outclassed Eastern Visayas' Leyte National HS, 25-21, 25-11, for its first victory after three losses. Tacloban-based EVI fell to 0-2.

In Pool B, Central Visayas put a lock on  a Final Fourth berth with its hard-earned 25-23, 30-28 disposal of SLU last Tuesday.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos-bannered CVI (3-0) was gunning for a sweep of the elims at presstime against fellow unbeaten New Zealand (2-0).

The Kiwis overcame the Ateneo de Davao spikers of Mindanao, 25-18, 25-11, to move within a win from gaining a berth in the Final Four of the annual event which features the country’s top high school teams plus two foreign guest squads.