V-league Semis Best-of-3 Game 1 San Sebastian leads series, 1-0 RYSABELLE DEVANADERA SHINES AS LADY STAGS HORNS THE LADY FALCONS

Sets: 25-14 25-20 25-18

"Rapid Deal" Rysabelle Devanadera pounded crucial kills in the last two sets and emerged as the best player of the game as San Sebastian took game 1 against Adamson University.

After the Lady Falcons posted a 16-13 advantage in the 3rd set, Devanadera marshalled a 12-2 run for the Lady Stags that saw Adamson fumbled with their defense.

Jeng Bualee had 15, Lou Latigay had 13 and Suzanne Roces had 9 hits for San Sebastian who hope to wrap the series on Sunday.

Adamson played without main gunner Nerissa Bautista and Joan Botor-Carpio, had 10 points from Pau Soriano. Jill Gustilo scattered 8 points.

SKETCHPAD: 6th SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SEMIFINALS FORECAST UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS vs FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

The semis is on. Four teams have survived. But only two will remain. Who will be taking fame? Who will be weeping?

1- UST (5-0) vs 4- FEU (2-3)
Forecast: UST over FEU, 2-1

Dynasty against destiny. This series is a war.

The UST Tigresses have overall advantage as they have beaten FEU thrice this conference. But UST will miss the service of the "Thunderbolt M9". Michelle Carolino was off to Vietnam for beach volleyball until Sunday. There's a possibility that she can play if game 3 will be necessary. Therefore, they have to rely on Mary Jean Balse. Well, not really.

"Capt. Ice" Aiza Maizo is a lethal weapon who can scores anytime and blocks at her finest. Maika Ortiz, Judy Caballejo and Bernice Co are reliable. Of course, Dmac (that's Rhea Dimaculangan, the setter) is threatening.

With Rachel Daquis and Shaira Gonzales has yet to find their forms, the FEU Lady Tams will have to rely on Mayette Carolino's classic but daring tackles. Macailah Morada and "The Vibe" Cherry May Vivas need to come up big time to back up FEU's attack. If these five stalwarts will be in good shapes, UST will have a run for their money.

Despite being perceived as underdogs, the Lady Tams will be out to battle the way up for their first ever V-league Finals appearance with their super combos and striking spikes. And I guess, April Linor Jose was not UAAP's best setter for nothing.

UST is at its best this conference. Although they have the tendency to collapse with their floor defense, I stake my dime for them.

SKETCHPAD: 6th SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SEMIFINALS FORECAST SAN SEBASTIAN vs ADAMSON

The 6th Shakey's V-league 1st conference semifinals are kicking off and here's my- if not personal, deliberate opinions on what the future holds for the teams.

2- San Sebastian (4-1) vs 3- Adamson (3-2)
Forecast: San Sebastian over Adamson, 2-0

Captain Lourence Ann Latigay is at her best form and Thai reinforcement Jaroensri Bualee is a steady threat with her powerful all-around plays. Rysabelle Devanadera has mastered the skill of power blocking. And last season Finals MVP Suzanne Roces is a deadly prowess. With an exceptional overall team performance in the conference, the road to Finals for the lady stags is as clear as the sunny sky.

This series will be quick.

But Adamson will not quit just like that. They have pushed the Lady Stags to the edge during their last meeting though they have lost that one. And that's what makes the Lady Falcon dangerous. They can match up with any tough team.

San Sebastian must stay focus if they want to nail the series. They must be aware of these: Sang Laguilles whose net defense is undeniable and a power hitter; Jill Gustilo can explode anytime; Angela Benting is sure to come out strong and Best Rookie candidate Paulina Soriano is very dependable.

But without superpower Nerissa Bautista who was out for Vietnam Beach Volleyball with fellow SSC guest player Joan Botor-Carpio, the Lady Falcons have to play double time.

Adamson is sure to give San Sebastian a hard fight. Their "never-say-die" attitude will be perceptible. But with berets like Joy Pulido, Vernon Ancheta, Analyn Benito and Margarita Pepito, I bet my two cents for the Lady Stags to snatch this one.