Benting explodes as Adamson stuns NU

MANILA, Philippines — Angela Benting flaunted her vintage form to lead Adamson University to a pulsating five-set victory over National University in Game 1 of their 10th Shakey’s V-League First Conference semifinals series Tuesday, May 14.

Benting scored a tournament-best 28 points as the Lady Falcons put the only blemish in the Lady Bulldogs’ record with a 22-25, 25-18, 25-19, 22-25, 15-13, victory at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“Siguro sinapian lang ako,” said Benting, who starred for Adamson in her collegiate days and had 25 attacks, 2 blocks and the match-winning ace.

Shiela Pineda added 18 points for the Lady Falcons as the San Marcelino-based squad moved one step closer to a return to the championship round they have won two times in league history.

However, Adamson looked headed for defeat after trailing in the fifth set, when NU erected a 10-5 lead behind the heroics of ace spiker Dindin Santiago.

Heroic comeback

But with the Lady Falcons buoyed by the comeback of starting setter May Macatuno, who sprained her ankle in the fourth set, Adamson went on a game-closing 10-3 run to snap the Lady Bulldogs’ seven-game winning streak.

Benting drilled in four straight hits to pull the Lady Falcons ahead, 11-10, after trailing for all of the deciding frame.

Santiago responded with an attack of her own, but Benting was quick to answer in giving Adamson a 12-11 lead.

Poetic ending

Pau Soriano, who struggled with just nine points, allowed NU to tie it after her spike went long before Benting committed a violation that handed the Lady Bulldogs a 13-12 advantage.

The Sampaloc-based team failed to convert on the ensuing possession, leading to an attack by Soriano that sent the Lady Falcons to match point, 14-13.

And with NU’s back against the wall, Benting delivered the final point of the match — a service ace that rocked the venue.

Santiago paced the Lady Bulldogs with 24 points off 19 hits, four blocks and an ace while Myla Pablo, Mina Aganon and Jaja Santiago helped out with 12, 11 and 10 markers, respectively. – Rappler.com