ENDERUN Colleges squandered leads in the first two sets but overcame a 0-2 set deficit and stunned San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 21-25, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-12, in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila late Sunday.
Erika Deloria banged in 17 points for the Lady Titans with majority of her 16 spikes effectively breaking through the Lady Stags’ defense in the crucial stretch to help the team complete the two-hour reversal, the biggest thus far in the week-long tournament among the country’s top collegiate squads organized by Sports Vision.
“Nakita namin na kaya naman nila kasi first two sets leading na kami, hinabol lang nila,” said Enderun head coach Dong Dela Cruz. “Sabi ko lang sa kanila, ipakita niyo lang kung sino kayo.”
Althea Botor sizzled on the left wing and fired a game-high 21 points while Zen Peronilo added 12 markers for the Lady Titans, who bounced back from a shutout loss to the UE Lady Warriors last Wednesday.
Tina Marasigan came away with 19 attack points while Kat Santos finished 18 points, including two aces, for the Lady Stags, who fell to 0-2.
In the other women’s match, Mapua University also upended Lyceum of the Philippines U in five, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11, to tie the Lady Titans while dealing the Lady Pirates their second straight loss.
Middle Nicole Ong came away with 12 points on eight kills, three kill blocks and an ace as she provided solid backup to Raisa Ricablanca’s 17-point performance, including clutch hits in the deciding set.
“Naging tight ‘yung game. Dito kasi sa V-League, may kino-construct kami na bagong system, kaya minsan nawawala yung mga players. But a win is a win,” said Mapua head coach Aying Estaban after their grueling two-hour, 19-minute win.
The Lady Cardinals likewise spoiled the huge 23-point explosion of Johna Dolorito even as Janeth Tulang chipped in 18 markers for the Lady Pirates, who also lost to the St. Benilde Lady Blazers last Friday.