V-League: Adamson edges UST in 5-setter

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson University moved one step closer to salvaging third place after edging University of Santo Tomas in five sets in Game 1 of their 10th Shakey’s V-League First Conference battle for third Thursday, May 21.

Shiela Pineda scored a tournament-best 23 points, including the game-winning attack, as the Lady Falcons clawed from the jaws of defeat to record the 23-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12 triumph at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Angela Benting recovered from a mini-slump, too, firing 23 markers off 18 kills, 4 blocks and an ace while Pau Soriano added 18 points for Adamson, who can seal the bronze medal with another win on Sunday.

The Golden Tigresses appeared on the verge of victory after a Maika Ortiz score brought them to a 23-20 lead late in the fourth set.

But the Lady Falcons delivered 5 straight blows to UST’s chances to force a 5th set, 25-23. 

Adamson got off to a quick start and built a 10-6 advantage after back-to-back points by Benting and Soriano, but the Tigresses charged back to tie it at 10-all.

However, Carmela Tunay’s hit went outside for UST in the next play while Rhea Dimaculangan wasted another chance, setting Pineda up for the killer.

Ortiz rifled in 18 points spiked by 16 hits while veteran Aiza Maizo and Pam Lastimosa chipped in with 16 and 15 markers, respectively. – Rappler.com