USLS alive in Shakey's V-League

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - University of St. La Salle volleybelles stayed alive in the ongoing 2008 Shakey's V-League Season 5 at the Arena in San Juan City Monday with a 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 rout of DLSU College of St. Benilde. Kay Aplasca came up with an impressive six-block performance and 15 points while Je-an Ledesma, Sheryl Silva and Jade Aplasca combined for 30 points for the Roger Banzuela-mentored squad now back in the semis race following a shaky start in this tournament sponsored by Shakey's Pizza and organized by Sports Vision. The other Visayas qualifier, University of San Jose-Recoletos, completed a tough 20-25, 25-15, 24-26, 25-17, 15-10 victory over Far Eastern University to likewise stay alive in this Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF)-calendared event. "We played a bit tight in the first two sets. But this is a big morale booster for us heading to our last two matches. At least, we still have a chance for the last semi-final berth," said Banzuela, a former president of the PVF and currently head of the Beach Volleyball Association of the Philippines aside from being president of the Negros Occidental Volleyball Association (Nova). To nail a semis berth, however, the USLS spikers need to sweep their last two assignments against Lyceum of the Philippines U and USJR so they can avail of the league's 3-of-5 incentive. Seeing action for USLS are standouts of the Western Visayas PRISAA squad that topped the 2008 National PRISAA competition in Zamboanga City, also mentored by Banzuela. - Sun.Star