source: By FRANCIS SANTIAGOmb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines — What a way to close out its elimination round campaign.
In a game that will go down as one of the most memorable Shakey’s V-League matches in recent history, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod fought back from 0-2 set down to complete a stirring 23-25, 14-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-11 victory over University of Perpetual Help tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
Former national youth stand out Patty Oredain rose to the occasion several times, scoring six points in the thrilling fifth set duel, including a down-the-line smash that sealed the victory and foiled the Lady Altas’ sweep bid in Group B.
“They played their best game,” USLS mentor Roger Banzuela said of his players who celebrated their big win by linking their hands and hugging each other on center court.
The victory sent the Lady Stingers into a tie with their victims on top with identical 3-1 records.
Due to its superior quotient, however, Perpetual will gain the No. 1 spot heading into the group quarterfinal round that starts after the Holy Week.
The Lady Stingers overhauled an 8-5 down in the final set to tie the game for the last time at 10-all before Orendain took over.
Orendain finished with a game-high 24 points, including the team’s five of the last seven points for the Bacolod-based tossers who seized the golden opportunity for a fightback in the third set.
“I fielded my second six in the third and it clicked,” said Banzuela who also credited returning libero Rebbie Delotindo, who had 21 excellent digs, for a job well done.
The Lady Altas, who drew double-digit numbers from five players, actually had the chance to sweep the Lady Stingers with a 2-0 set lead, but their inability to protect their lead at crunch time stalled their bid.
They blew a 17-21 lead in the third as the Stingers gain a new lease on life.
USLS, however, had to overcome 12 deadlocks in the fourth, the last at 22-all to force the deciding set.
Kay Aplasca had 18 points while Royce Quijano had nine for USLS which closed out the game after one hour and 48 minutes.
Returning guest player Jane Manzano and Lynn Bonecillo had 14 apiece, while Jane Diaz, Honey Tobino and Sandra Delos Santos fired 13 each for Perpetual.
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