10 June 2012, 11:21 p.m. – THE LADY Spikers failed to regain the Shakey’s V-League crown after succumbing to defending champion Ateneo De Manila University in their do-or-die title match at The Arena in San Juan Sunday.
The Lady Eagles survived UST in five nail-biting sets, 19-25, 14-25, 25-17, 25-20, 13-15, behind league Best Player Alyssa Valdez, who exploded with 22 points. Phee Nok Kesinee and Dzi Gervacio added 15 and 12 points, respectively, for Ateneo.
Despite the loss, UST coach Odjie Mamon was optimistic that the “exposure and experience” his wards gained from the V-League would help them in future tournaments, particularly the UAAP.
Team captain Rhea Dimaculangan commended her teammates for their never-say-die effort against a tough Ateneo squad.
“I’m still happy my teammates stepped up. I am confident with the team that I will leave behind next season,” said Dimaculangan, who had to leave in the third set with an ankle injury.
Down by two sets, the Lady Spikers fought back and won the next two frames to forge a deciding fifth set. But Gervacio sealed the title for Ateneo in the last frame with a quick attack.
Maika Ortiz led UST with 18 points on top of three blocks and four service aces, while Judy Caballejo and Thai import Utaiwan Kaensing had 17 and 16 points, respectively. Jan Edward B. Ballesteros
