V-League: UST, Adamson rip foes to arrange finals showdown

University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University arranged a finals showdown in the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 second conference after disposing separate rivals during Friday’s semifinal round at The Arena in San Juan City. UST leaned on rookie Maruja Banaticla’s 19 points – behind 12 hits, three blocks and four service aces – as the Tigresses booked their second straight finals appearance after a 25-22, 21-25, 25-11, 25-17 win over Far Eastern U.

Adamson followed shortly needing only 59 minutes to dispose reigning five-time NCAA champion San Sebastian, 25-13, 25-19, 25-22. UST skipper Aiza Maizo and Ma. Angeli Tabaquero combined for 36 points as the Tigresses swept the Lady Tamaraws in their best-of-three semis series. Coach Cesael De Los Santos’ Tigresses, who posted their fourth straight win against FEU to secure their eight finals appearance in the league, once more displayed their solid net defense as they scored 17 points on blocks compared to the Lady Tams’ three. "I’m happy with our players’ performance. Hopefully mas tumaas pa yung level ng kanilang laro pagdating ng finals," said De Los Santos. UST, the league’s most winningest team with four crowns, begins its bid of clinching a fifth title on Tuesday (Dec. 1) against Adamson. Guest player Rachel Ann Daquis led FEU’s losing cause with 16 hits and two blocks followed by the 12 and 11 markers of Cherry Vivas and Monique Tiangco. In the Adamson-San Sebastian game, skipper Angela Benting had plenty of help from teammates Jill Gustilo, Pau Soriano and Charmaine Moralde as the Lady Falcons also swept the Lady Stags in their own best-of-three series. Benting and Gustilo paced the Lady Falcons with 15 points each while Soriano and Moralde added 10 markers. – GMANews.TV