VOLLEYBALL fans were treated to a rare exhibition game at the UST gym with the Lady Spikers conquering their Shakey’s V-league foes, the Lyceum University of the Philippines Lady Pirates, in four sets, , 25-18, 18-25, 25-15, 25-21, last July 9.
The home team almost dictated the tempo of the entire match, save for the second set which belonged to the Lady Pirates courtesy of the heroics of ex-UST volleybelle Mary Jean Balse.
“This is an exhibition game for the fans who miss the team now that we’re not joining the second conference of V-league,” coach Cesael de los Santos said in Filipino. “It also encourages camaraderie among other volleyball teams.”
Team captain Aiza Maizo fueled the charge in the first set with a series of aces followed by Maika Ortiz’s hits off the block to give UST a 6-4 advantage. Lyceum’s Joy Cases responded with aces of her own, allowing the Lady Pirates to take the lead, 8-9.
But Hannah Mance helped solidify UST’s defense with a flurry of power blocks, sealed by a down-the-line hit by Judy Ann Caballejo, 25-18.
Balse bounced back for Lyceum in the second set, unleashing a series of aces boosted by Porntip Santrong’s drops. Quick kills from Ortiz and a line shot from Katrina Carangan allowed UST to inch closer via a 17-23 count. But Lyceum finished strong and took the set anyway.
It was an all-Maizo show in the third set, both in the attacking and defensive end with UST leading by as much as 10 points, 20-10. Her kill eventually won the set for the Espana-based squad, 25-15.
The Lady Spikers started strong in the fourth with a 9-2 salvo courtesy of Maruja Banaticla and Maizo. Lyceum came within four, 14-10, as Balse sparked fierce off-the-block hits. But UST came alive after a stunning block by Banaticla and Curato to jack up its lead, 17-11.
Cases tried to cut the lead with a series of crosscourt hits which was good for a 23-20 score. Ortiz’s tip punctuated the match at 25-21.
As a reward for their back-to-back championship titles, the Lady Spikers were scheduled for a vacation in Hong Kong on July 14.
Balse bounced back for Lyceum in the second set, unleashing a series of aces boosted by Porntip Santrong’s drops. Quick kills from Ortiz and a line shot from Katrina Carangan allowed UST to inch closer via a 17-23 count. But Lyceum finished strong and took the set anyway.
– I think i did not see santrong play. All i remember is that Dahlia Cruz and Mary Jean Balse played for LPU as their guest players before the July 11 game opening
Dear Ms. Dayouon..
Your report is very inaccurate.. pornthip santrong was not there. I personally watched the game.. What are you talking about? This is a false news.. you’d better retract this news.. Nkakahiya sa editorial staff nyo.. WLA BANG NAGPPROOF-READ sa inyo? this news is all lies.