Lady Tams twit Maroons, stay on top

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University leaned on its power-spiking guest players Jovelyn Gonzaga and Honey Royse Tubino as it waylaid University of the Philippines to remain undefeated in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Gonzaga led all hitters with 19, including 14 on kills and three on blocks while Tubino, who is loaned by Army just like the former, scattered nine to power the Lady Tams to their fourth straight victory and atop the heap in Group A.

Toni Rose Basas contributed 11 for FEU, which is seeking to do well in the coming UAAP volley wars.

“They carried us through again,” said FEU coach Shaq delos Santos referring to the Gonzaga-Tubino tandem.

FEU, which is already assured of a spot in the quarterfinals, was one of the two remaining unbeaten teams, the other one being reigning back-to-back UAAP title-holder Ateneo, which is also unscathed in four in Group B.

The Lady Tams shoot for a group stage sweep as they tangle with the Roger Gorayeb-mentored National University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday.

UP was just no match against the Gonzaga-Tubino pair as none finished in double-digit scores with only Maria Lina Isabel Molde ending up the highest scorer with nine.

The Lady Maroons fell to their second loss against two wins and would be needing to beat Arellano University (3-1) next week to stay in the quarters hunt.

University of Santo Tomas downed Technological Institute of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-19, 24-26, 25-14, to clinch a quarterfinals berth.

EJ Laure celebrated her 18th birthday by firing 18 hits while Pam Lastimosa and Chlodia Cortez chipped in 14 and 10, respectively.