THE UST Lady Spikers demolished the Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-19, 25-16, 24-26, 26-16, in the Shakey’s V-League quarterfinals at the Arena in San Juan last May 13.
The Lady Spikers ended matters in the fourth set with a barrage of points from Maika Ortiz and Judy Caballejo, and a quick kill from Maruja Banaticla.
Down two sets, the Lady Tamaraws fought back in the third frame through the heroics of Thai import Eve Sanorseang, who collected 13 points for FEU. Her timely placements made sure there would be a fourth set.
But UST would not be denied as Banaticla scored five points to start the final set. Ortiz scored on a wide shot to widen the gap for UST, 19-12.
“The third set definitely served as a motivation for the rest of the game because my players refused to lose,” coach Odjie Mamon said. “The players had been sluggish as early as the first set. Good thing they responded as the game progressed.”
Caballejo finished with a game-high 22 points, including four service aces, while Banaticla racked up 18 points.
In their previous match, Lady Spikers toyed with San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-12, 25-10, 25-21, to sweep the elimination round last May 10.
Balse chalked up 14 points to give UST a clean 4-0 record heading into the quarterfinals.
“I didn’t expect it to be quick,” Mamon said. “I think our strength was defense.”
UST shoots for a second win in the quarterfinals against defending champion Ateneo de Manila University on May 20.
