V-League: Pons, Palma banner FEU’s 4-set win

MANILA, Philippines – Eyeing to end their two-game skid, Far Eastern University banked on their youngbloods as Bernadette Pons and Mary Palma connived in their four-set win over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference, Sunday evening, April 13, at the Filoil Flying-V Arena in San Juan City.

The dynamic duo starred for the Lady Tamaraws as they combined for 36 markers to lead their squad to a 2-2 record and keep their hopes of barging into the quarterfinals alive.

Coach Shaq Delos Santos’ wards sprang out of a tentative start as they came back from a set down to take the hard-earned win after four grueling cantos.

Aiming to bounce back from a tough five-set defeat to San Sebastian in their last outing, Perpetual relied on guest player Abigael Praca as she sizzled early and turned a 19-21 deficit to a slim 25-23 first set victory.

Both squads then swapped runs in the second frame but it was the Morayta-based side who swooped for the win this time, leading Perpetual by as much as eight points to claim the set and even the field, 25-18.

The Lady Altas fell to lapses in the third, which FEU pounced on to take a commanding two-set lead courtesy of a 25-18 third frame win.

Palma completed FEU’s come-from-behind win in the fourth as she delivered the finishing blows en route to a 25-21 win.

Pons top scored in the game with 20 points, all coming from attacks, while Palma added 16 markers off 12 hits, two blocks, and two excellent serves.

The Lady Altas, on the other hand, were led by Praca’s 18 points while Norie Diaz and Jamela Suyat added 16 and 10 markers.

Christine Agno took care of FEU’s defense as she tallied 24 digs while Yna Papa finished the game with 48 sets.

FEU will take on the Davao Agilas next on April 20 while UPHSD faces the same team two days later.

Scores:

Far Eastern University – Pons 20, Palma 16, Torres 8, Simborio 7, Basas 7, Papa 4, Dawson 3, Dionela 1, Casugod 1

Perpetual – Praca 18, Diaz 16, Suyat 10, Diocareza 5, Cabriana 4, Bravo 1, Eniong 1

By set: 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-21