UST CAPTURED V-LEAGUE CROWN clobbered San Sebastian College

MVP Mary Jean Balse powered 13 spikes and finished with 18 points as the University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses captured its 4th title via a 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 rout of San Sebastian College Lady Stags in the 6th Shakey's V-league.

UST relied on Finals MVP Rhea Dimaculangan's witty setups most of the game, scoring an answer anytime SSC knocked a comeback.

The Tigresses, with Maika Ortiz on the attack, coined in on the Lady Stags' poor receptions to spurt a 14-7 advantage in the 1st set. But San Sebastian got back with 10-5 outbreak to closed in 17-19. USTcameback again, relying on their net defense to score 4 hits and capped the set.

In the 2nd set, UST erased a early San Sebastian lead, 2-5, and towered a 17-12 mark behind Balse's power attacks.

But the Lady Stags made a counter-attack and tied it on 20-all with Suzanne Roces and Jaroensri Bualee stepping up. However, the Tigresses made another five points surge to finish the set capped by Bernice Co's service ace.

Laurence Ann Latigay led San Sebastian College with 13 points. Roces had 9, Bualee and Joy Benito had 8 apiece.

"It's a nice feeling to win for the first time. At least we got back at the Lady Stags after we lost to them last year." UST mentor Cesael delos Santos said.

The UST Tigresses bagged the most winningest club record in the history of V-league with 4 crowns, shadowing De La Salle which captured 3 titles.

6th Shakey's V-league AWARDEES BALSE IS MVP, BUALEE GAINS BEST SCORER PLUM

The Shakey's V-league Season 6 1st Conference is almost over with only 2 teams battling it out in the Finals and it's time to name the individual achievements. Here is the list of the BEST OF THE BEST!

MARY JEAN BALSE, UST
Most Valuable Player

JAROENSRI BUALEE, SSC
Best Scorer

LAURENCE ANN LATIGAY, SSC
Best Attacker

AIZA MAIZO, UST
Best Blocker

MACAILAH IRISH MORADA, FEU
Best Server

LIZLEE ANN GATA, ADAMSON
Best Digger

RHEA KATRINA DIMACULANGAN, UST
Best Setter

MARGARITA PEPITO, SSC
Best Receiver

SHAIRA GONZALES, FEU
Most Improved Player

6th Shakey's V-league Best-of-three FINALS Adamson gain 3rd place MARY JEAN BALSE NAMED MVP UST FORCES DECIDING GAME 3 BEAT SAN SEBASTIAN

"M9 Thunderbolt" Michelle Carolino knocked a kill late in the 3rd set and Aiza Maizo had 11 attacks to deliver University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses in a 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 triumph over the San Sebastian College Lady Stags yesterday to even the 6th Shakey's V-league 1st Conference Finals.

The victory forced a winner-takes-all game 3 on Tuesday.

Mary Jean Balse was named MVP and had 13 points and 2 blocks for the Tigresses. She was the first player to win the plum twice.

Michelle Carolino had 14 kills and Maizo finished with 13 points for UST.

Down in the 3rd set, 10-15, the Tigresses rallied with a 6-1 dash to draw the scorecard and then eclipsed another 7-2 run including 4 from SSC's errors.

But San Sebastian pulled of a 5-1 spurt to get closed at 23-24 behind Thai import Jaroensri Bualee's hit. But Michelle Carolino foiled the the Lady Stags' comeback, unloading a solid powerspike to capped the battle.

Meanwhile, Adamson University Lady Falcons survived a tough game against Far Eastern University Lady Tams with a 27-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory to clinched the bronze.

Nerissa Bautista and Pau Soriano had 14 apiece for the Adamson.

Mayette Carolino had 18 hits to lead FEU.

6th Shakey's V-league Best-of-three FINALS SAN SEBASTIAN SURPRISED STO. TOMAS, WINS GAME 1 IN 3 SETS

San Sebastian Lady Stags took game 1 of the 6th Shakey's V-league 1st conference Finals yesterday, shocking the heavily favored University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, behind a tremendous performances from Thai import Jaroensri Bualee and "Rapid Deal" Rysabelle Devanadera.

The Lady Stags are seeking for their back-to-back V-league title, the last one was also against UST.

Captain Laurence Ann Latigay, Analyn Joy Benito and Suzanne Roces combined for 33 points to help San Sebastian catapulted UST's first straight-sets downfall in the conference.

Sto. Tomas, who won all their meetings against the Lady Stags in the regulars, emerged struggled with their perrenial poor receptions. Even the comeback of scoring machine Michelle Carolino from Vietnam stint was never a factor. She was held to only 9 hits.

"Everybody played well. They all stepped up in the Finals," said San Sebastian mentor Roger Gorayeb. "We may have lost twice to UST this conference, but we won the game that mattered most. We controlled their main spikers while we did well in our receptions."

Mary Jean Balse led the Tigresses with 16 points, the only player to score in double figures.

Setter Vernon Ancheta has 79 excellent sets for the Lady Stags.

Game 2 is set on Sunday as San Sebastian hopes to end the best-of-three series.

6th Shakey's V-league FINALS UST vs SAN SEBASTIAN HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF

Raging University Sto. Tomas Tigresses will face their greatest challenge as they meet San Sebastian College Lady Stags in a best-of-three series for the 6th Shakey's V-league 1st conference crown starting this afternoon at 4 pm.

San Sebastian became the first team to hook up a spot after demolishing defending champion Adamson University Lady Falcons who will battle Far Eastern University Lady Tams for 3rd place in a best-of-three series at 2pm.

On the other hand, Sto. Tomas had to escaped a rubber match against FEU to gain a seat in the Finals.

UST had lost to Lady Stags last Season 5 2nd Conference Finals and now have the hope to bounce back and take what they thought was theirs.

Michelle Carolino, who's back from Beach Volleyball Tour from Vietnam, is expected to unload the attacks for UST alongside with superpower co-guest player Mary Jean Balse. To back them up are captain Aiza Maizo, Bernice Co, Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and top setter Katrina Dimaculangan.

The Tigresses are favored to bag the crown, but the Lady Stags will not let it go that easy. They will be forefront by the dangerous Thai import Jaroensri Bualee and top spiker Laurence Latigay. They will get solid support from Vernon Ancheta, Joy Benito, Suzanne Roces and Sasa Devanadera.

UST coach Cesael De los Santos noted that in order for them to surpass the Lady Stags, they have to improve their receptions.

["Thunderbolt M9" Michelle Carolino digs during their game against Indonesia at the SEAGames. She's expected to banner UST against San Sebastian in the Finals.]

6th Shakey's V-league Best-of-three SEMIS GAME 2 SAN SEBASTIAN ON TO FINALS

San Sebastian- too strong to demolished.

Jeng Bualee scored 18 hits and Lou Ann Latigay had 17 to lead San Sebastian College Lady Stags in eliminating defending champions Adamson University Lady Falcons with a massive 25-14, 25-22, 25-14 rout.

The win gave the Lady Stags the ticket to Finals who will face the winner of the ongoing 6th Shakey's V-league semifinals duel between FEU and UST.

Adamson, with their key players failed to deliver, waived their chance to defend their crown. The absence of top falcons Nerissa Bautista and Joan Botor-Carpio proved to be fatal.

6th Shakey's V-league Best-of-three SEMIS GAME 2 RACHEL ANN DAQUIS STEPPED UP AS FEU FORCED GAME 3

UST is a tough team. But FEU was determined.

Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws relied on their tenacious net defense and the rallied to a 16-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23 whacking of University of Sto. Tomas Tigresses to forcea deciding game 3 in their 6th Shakey's V-league semifinals series Sunday at The Arena in San Juan City.

"Princess of Power" Rachel Ann Daquis poured 13 kills and finished with 16 hits to lead the Lady Tams. Cherry Vivas had 12 points and "Mystic" Maica Morada added 11 kills.

The Tigresses, who played without scoring machine Michelle Carolino due to Vietnam beach volleyball stint, showed poised when they won the 1st set but shuddered on the next sets as they struggled in the net.

Mary Jean Balse lead UST with 22 hits.

"Rapid Deal" Rysabelle Devanadera

Middle Hitter/ Middle Blocker
San Sebastian Col lege Lady Stags
Jersey #1

Offense: 8 stars
Defense: 8 stars

Deal or no Deal? Better make it fast.

Rysabelle Devanadera, or Sasa, is formidable when it comes to attack. She can wallops the ball like a rocket launched in midair. Expect to be bombed! Or better yet, cover yourself up. Her quicks are rapid ready to rap you out of the map, err...court.

San Sebastian has made it to the semis in the ongoing 6th Shakey's V-league and took game 1 from the tough FEU Lady Tams in their best-of-3 series. And when the call of a hero was off, Sasa delivered. Fast.

With her powerful spikes come the dominating blocking skills. She's not intimidated by taller players. Dare her, she deals.

A force like Sasa, San Sebastian College Lady Stags is a one tough wall to subdue.

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.

On Focus: 6th Shakey's V-league Best-of-3 SEMIS ADAMSON v.s. SAN SEBASTIAN

One's victory is another's heartbreak.

Defending champion Adamson University Lady Falcons will be put to test when they battle 2nd-seeded San Sebastian College Lady Stags in their best-of-3 semifinals series in the 6th Shakey's V-league starting Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Both teams will pour their hearts out in this battle of the champions- San Sebastian being the beltholder in the 5th Shakey's V-league 2nd conference- to prove who is better, stronger and deserves to be called the "best of the bests".

Reigning MVP "The Blaze" Nerissa Bautista will front the charge for the Lady Falcons alongside with Sang Laguilles, Jill Gustilo, Angela Benting and super rookie Pau Soriano.

On the other hand, San Sebastian will fire it out behind superspiker Thai import Jeng Bualee, NCAA MVP Laurence Ann "The Silencer" Latigay and marquee blocker Sasa Devanadera.

The Lady Stags appear favored to bag the series as they have beaten Adamson twice this conference. But the Lady Falcons are out to banner their "never-say-die" power.

On Focus: 6th Shakey's V-league Best-of- 3 SEMIS UST vs FEU

The Semifinal battle is off. Four teams will combat for the crown. Who will prevail? Who will weep?

One match will feature the league leader against the struggling squad.

University of Sto. Tomas pulled off a clean slate to sweep the quarterfinals and headed to the front seat in the semis. While Far Eastern University suffered a defeat from Adamson in their spotfight. Thus, hurting their confidence.

Guest players Jean Balse and scoring machine Michelle Carolino will command for the Tigresses when they slug it out with the Lady Tams in their best-of-3 series beginning Thursday.

UST has swept all their games prior to semis, emerging as top favorite to enter the Finals. But FEU will try to regain their form that was imperceptible during the quarterfinals where they had struggled, losing games in straight sets.

To lead the charge for the Lady Tams are Rachel Daquis, Shaira Gonzales and the unconventional might- Mayette Carolino who will face her older sister Michelle once more.