SSC, Ateneo sweep rivals in V-League

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College unwrapped a surprise package in American Lauren Ford as the Lady Stags pounded out a 25-15, 25-21, 25-22 victory over Philippine Air Force at the start of the Shakey’s V-League Season 8 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The 6-foot Ford arrived just last Tuesday from Indiana to reinforce the 2008 second conference champions, who faced a team backstopped by two former MVPs in Aiza Maizo and Cherry Rose Macatangay.

But the Lady Stags proved up to task with Ford unleashing 12 hits while trying to adjust to the locals’ brand of play, giving the Recoletos-based squad the inspiring win in the tournament that features three regular member-schools, three military teams and a commercial squad.

“They’re still trying to feel their way around, still adjusting,,” said Lady Stags coach Roger Gorayeb of his wards in Filipino.

Ateneo also hacked out a straight victory over Maynilad with Alyssa Valdez firing 20 hits, including three blocks, and leading the first conference champions to a hard-earned 25-23, 25-17, 25-22 win in the second game.

Fille Cainglet unloaded 14 spikes and wound up with 15 points for the Lady Eagles, who foiled the debuting Maynilad side reinforced by guest player Joy Cases and backstopped by the league’s former stars.

Cases finished with 15 hits but no other churned out a double-digit output with Mervice Mangui, Nica Guliman and Ma. Josephine Cafranca adding eight, seven and six points, respectively.

Joy Benito, Rubie de Leon and Thai import Jang Baulee each scored 11 hits for SSC, which also drew eight points from Janette Doria.

SSC’s net defense likewise kept the fancied AFP hitters in check with Maizo converting just six spikes off 19 attempts and finishing with 10 points in her comeback stint in the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa, Accel and Maynilad Water.

Games are aired on delayed basis on NBN-4 and on GMA-7‘s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA LifeTV and GMA News TV.

Macatangay was held to six hits while Liza Deramos and Jennifer Manzano ended up with nine and eight points, respectively.

Air Force fought back in the third and forced an 14-all count but the Lady Stags regained their form and took 10 of the next 16 points to go up, 24-20.

A miscue and a service ace from Wendy Semana kept Air Force in the game but a soft kill by Janette Doria sealed the 69-minute victory for the Lady Stags.