UST outlasts San Sebastian, captures 4th V-League title

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas made a strong case for being the most dominant team in the Shakey’s V-League by beating San Sebastian College, 25-18, 25-20, 25-22, in their winner-take-all finale Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan. The Tigresses, who swept the quarterfinals en route to getting top seeding in the semis, secured their fourth title overall, leaving behind La Salle (three titles) as the V-League’s winningest squad. "We offer this victory to coach August Sta. Maria," said UST mentor Cesael delos Santos, referring to the long-time UST coach who suffered a stroke last year after steering the team to its first three championships. It was delos Santos’ first triumph as chief tactician and the Thomasians’ first crown since 2007, a victory made even sweeter by the fact they won it against the very team that foiled their title run in last year’s second conference. “It’s a nice feeling to win for the first time. At least we got back at the Lady Stags after we lost to them last year," delos Santos beamed. UST’s MVP Mary Jean Balse showed that she deserves the top individual honor by leading the Tigresses’ charge with 18 points, powered by 13 spikes. Balse got significant support from her teammates, led by Aiza Maizo who logged 14 markers, 13 of which were spikes. Maika Angela Ortiz, Bernice Abigail Co and guest player Michelle Carolino combined for 24 points to help the Tigresses complete a come-from-behind victory in the best-of-three title showdown. The Tigresses fell behind at the start of the series, bowing to the Lady Stags in Game 1, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19. Not one to simply roll over and die, though, the España-based squad came back and forced a deciding match with a 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 triumph in Game 2. And on Tuesday, the Tigresses completed their comeback using a very tight defense that limited SSC Thai reinforcement Jaroensri Bualee to just eight points, a far cry from her 17-point average. Scoring on quick plays from superb set-ups by Rhea Dimaculangan, the Tigresses seized control early and had an answer for each San Sebastian comeback. The Tigresses, with Ortiz on the attack, cashed in on the Lady Stags poor reception in the first set to build a 14-7 lead. Although they sputtered in the next stretch that enabled SSC to close in at 17-19, the Tigresses picked up four straight points to take the opener. Balse then took over in the second, scoring on her power game as UST quickly erased a 2-5 deficit to surge ahead at 17-12. But Suzanne Roces stepped up and worked with Bualee on the attack as SSC forced a 20-all count. However, the Tigresses simply shrugged off the threat and re-imposed their strength and will to win the next five points capped by Co's service ace. The Lady Stags were led by Laurence Ann Latigay, who finished with 13 markers while teammates Suzanne Roces and Analyn Joy Benito added nine and eight points, respectively. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV