Eagles, Archers take Flying V Cup opener

Source: Philippine Star

Blue Eagle Emmanuel Monfort converts on an easy layup off Red Lion Jake Pascual. JUN MENDOZA

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MANILA, Philippines - Archrivals Ateneo and La Salle topped their respective rivals at the start yesterday of the 2010 Filoil Flying V Tanduay First Five Pre-Season Invitational Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Blue Eagles shook off a jittery start and clawed the San Beda Red Lions, 84-73, while the Archers beat the Letran Knights in a fierce battle, 77-76.

Ateneo overcame an 11-point deficit while riding high on the exploits of Eric Salamat, Eman Monfort, Nico Salva and Jason Escueta.

“We didn’t play well in the first half. It looked like we don’t know how to play basketball. We had 19 turnovers and our defense was bad. Fortunately, we turned it around in the second half. But obviously, we need to be in top shape for our next games,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

The Archers, meanwhile, kept their poise under gnawing pressure before leaning on a clutch basket by Joshua Webb to eventually nip the Knights.

The Knights had a chance to steal the game after an error by Samuel Marata but Kevin Alas missed a long heave at the buzzer.

Webb led the Archers with 27 points, including 10 in the third quarter. Ferdinand added 11 and Simon Atkins had nine.

The Blue Eagles sustained their hot shooting in the fourth and enjoyed a 10-point spread at 67-57 on two free throws by Frank Golla.

The Red Lions fought back behind Jake Pascual, who scored on a jumper and a free throw that put them within two, 70-72, but a decisive 8-0 run by Monfort, Salva and Escueta put away San Beda for good.

The tourney is presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Extreme and sponsored by Filoil Flying V, Total Phils. Inc., San Marino, Accel and Hanes, the official outfitter with support from Adidas, BDO, Bayo, Jimm’s Coffee, Kaspersky, Zest Air, Karspersky Isecure Networks, Gourmet Coffee and RX 93.1.

The scores:

First Game

Ateneo 84 – Monfort 16, Salva 16, Dichavez 13, Salamat 12, Escueta 10, Austria 4, Long 4 Buenafe 3, Tiongson 0, Gonzaga 0, Golla 0, Erram 0

San Beda 73 – Dela Rosa 14, Lanete 12, Marcelo 12, A. Semerad 5, J. Pascual 5, Hermida 4, Villahermosa 2, Mendoza 2, Caram 2, D. Semerad 2, Kyle Pascual 2.

Quarterscores :15-19, 32-43, 60-57, 84-73

Second Game

De La Salle – 77 Webb 27, Ferdinand 11, Atkins 9, Marata 7, Villanueva 5, Banal 5, Andrada 5, Dela Paz 5, Ferdinand 2, Reyes 1, Elorde 1, Vosotros 1, Paredes, Tolentino, Tampus 0.

Letran – 78 Dysam 17, Belencion 14, Cortez 13, K. Alas 13, Belorio 6, J. Alas 5, Rodil 4, Taplah 2, Espiritu 1, Almazan 0.

Quarterscores 22-22, 43-41, 58-55, 77-76

La Salle a Filoil darkhorse

Source: Manila Bulletin
A re-tooled La Salle squad is hoping to translate the experience it gained from last year’s UAAP season into their advantage this year.

But whether it is enough to make them title contenders in the coming UAAP season will be partly known when the Archers see action in the 2010 Filoil Flying V Invitational Cup which starts this Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

Two years after winning the UAAP championship, the Archers – with the graduation of top players TY Tang, Rico Maierhofer, and JV Casio – could only post five wins.

They also missed the Final Four for the first time since 1994.

Aside from six new faces, the team will have a new coach in Dindo Pumaren, who took over the rein from older brother Franz.

The Archers recruited highly-touted cagers 6-foot-7 Arnold Van Opstal and guards Nico Elorde and Luigi dela Paz from La Salle Zobel plus added NCAA juniors Mythical Five member Jarelan Tampus from Letran.

Other additions are former San Sebastian guard Almond Vosotros, who last saw action in the NCAA juniors division in 2008 when the Staglets completed a four-peat, and La Salle Greenhills standout Aiki Herrera.

Aside from that, sophomores Papot Paredes and Martin Reyes, a former big man for La Salle Greenhills were inserted from the team's second team for this tournament.

They will join holdovers Joshua Webb, Maui Villanueva, Yutien Andrada, Simon Atkins, Gab Banal, Ferdinand, and Joel Tolentino as La Salle tries to improve on its quarterfinal finish in last year's Fil-Oil tilt.

Lady Eagles eye first V-League title

Source: Manila Bulletin
With the hard-hitting Thai Keawbundit Sontaya and Charo Soriano in its fold, Ateneo is hoping to win its first-ever title in the Shakey’s V-League which opens shop on April 11 at The Arena in San Juan.

Since they joined the country’s biggest collegiate volleyball league in 2005, the Lady Eagles have never won a title although they came close to doing it in 2008 first conference.

That year, the Lady Eagles made it to the finals but they lost to the Adamson Lady Falcons.

Sontaya, a 5-foot-10 open spiker from Rattana Bundit University in Thailand, and Soriano are expected to provide the needed firepower that will bring the team to the Promise Land following a series of misfortunes.

Even coach Clint Malazo believes winning the championship in the opening conference of the seventh season is not impossible.

“We hope to bring our success in the UAAP to this year’s V-League, but the girls must double their effort to contend,” Malazo said in Filipino.

“Since Dzi Gervacio, Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Ho and Jem Ferrer came into the team, we haven’t reached the semis. But this time, we expect to enter the Final Four.”

Last year, Sontaya proved she deserved her spot in the team as normed 20 plus points per game.

Sontaya is the fifth Thai guest player of Ateneo, which also tapped the services Namphon Intuan, Jindarat Kanchana, Lithawat Kesinee and Em-Orn Phanusit in the past conferences.

Other members of the team are Bea Pascual, Kara Acevedo, libero Stephanie Gabriel, Misha Quimpo, Mona Bagatsing and Tash Faustino.

The Lady Eagles wound up a dismal seventh in last year’s first conference then lost to Far Eastern University in a playoff for the fourth semis slot in the second conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Sports Vision.

UAAP cage teams vie in Fil-Oil pre-season cup

Source: GMANEWS
Seven cage teams from the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will reunite on the hard court 3 months before Season 73 basketball wars unfurl.

They will vie for top honors in the 2010 Fil-Oil Flying V Pre-season Invitational Cup, which tips off on April 10.

Except for perennial off-season hermit University of Santo Tomas (UST), the rest – Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), and University of the Philippines (UP) – have signified their intention to use the Fil-Oil meet as a boot camp of sorts before actual combat starts this July.

Out to challenge the UAAP squads for the top purse of P500,000 worth of scholarships is rival league National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bannered by defending champion San Sebastian College.

Other NCAA teams who will join the pre-season tournament are San Beda College, Jose Rizal University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua Institute of Technology, College of St. Benilde, University of Perpetual Help-Dalta, and NCAA newcomers Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

The opening-day hostilities pit back-to-back UAAP champions Ateneo against San Beda at 4 p.m. followed by the 6 p.m. encounter between La Salle and Letran.

The Eagles, also the University Games and Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) titlists last year, stand to miss the services of guard Oping Sumalinog, who is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he suffered during the Fr. Martin Open Cup early this month.

Despite Sumalinog’s absence, Ateneo remains a formidable opponent with Smart Gilas member Ryan Buenafe, Eric Salamat, Kirk Long, Nico Salva, and Bacon Austria leading the charge.

While itching to get back at PCCL tormentor Letran, La Salle also bats for resurgence under new coach Dindo Pumaren after a forgettable performance last season.

The Archers, however, may lose rookie forward Arvie Bringas, the 6-foot-4 former San Sebastian Staglet. Bringas has not been practicing with La Salle for around 3 months and may be discharged from the team.

Also looming as strong contenders from the UAAP side are FEU, UE and UP, with the Warriors and the Maroons making good impression in the recent PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup.

“I would be surprised if FEU won’t win the championship this year considering the presence of national team members in its intact line-up,” UE coach Lawrence Chongson said, referring to Smart Gilas standouts JR Cawaling and Aldrech Ramos, who are currently training with the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas-backed RP five abroad.

Cawaling and Ramos will rejoin the Tamaraws late in the tournament after their overseas stints with Smart Gilas, FEU assistant coach Louie Gonzales said.

The Maroons, who make up the core of PBL runner-up Pharex B-Complex, will parade the sweet-shooting Mike Silungan to backstop veterans Woody Co, Mark Lopez, Martin Reyes and Smart Gilas mainstay Magi Sison.

UE, meanwhile, anchors its fortunes yet again on old reliable Paul Lee, who fronted the Warriors-reinforced Cobra Energy Drink Ironmen’s semis campaign in the PBL.

Adamson, which also played in the PBL under the Add-Mix franchise, tapped 6-foot-7 Nigerian Lionel Manraya to man the slot for the Falcons while drawing steady firepower from seasoned guards Jerick Cañada and Lester Alvarez, and forward Jan Colina.

Playing for the first time under new mentor Eric Gonzales, NU has considerably boosted its stock with the addition of 6-foot7 Cameroonian find Emmanuel Mbe in its roster already bolstered by the likes of three-point artist Kokoy Hermosisima, Jewel Ponferrada and Melvin Baloran, among others.

Adding spice to this year’s Fil-Oil meet are the RP under-18 and under-13 teams, which will see action as guest teams in the seniors and juniors divisions, respectively.

The organizers have also included a cheering competition which offers P 150,000 worth of scholarships to the champion. On the other hand, the best junior’s team will receive P 100,000 worth of scholarships.

La Salle snubs V-League anew

Source: Manila Bulletin

Thanks, but no thanks seems to be the message La Salle is telling the Shakey’s V-League organizers after it turned down an invitation to compete in the country’s premier volleyball competition.

La Salle, one of the country’s top collegiate volleyball teams and V-League champion three times, was suspended last year by V-League officials after it withdrew from the competition at the last minute.

The suspension was recently lifted and La Salle was invited to compete again.

But a La Salle official said the school was still “hurting” from the suspension which he said put the school in a bad light as it was highly-publicized in the newspapers.

La Salle assistant coach Noel Ocullo said they decided to withdraw despite the lifting of the ban because "the La Salle community is still affected by the issue (ban)."

"It was a big issue for us (ban). It even came out to the newspapers. So we're not joining because we're still not OK with the issue," Orcullo said.

It will be the fourth straight tournament that La Salle won’t be playing.

Commissioner Tony Liao said they invited the team to play but they got no clear answer.

“But when I personally invited their team manager Hero Yu for a coaches’ meeting a couple of weeks back, he said they can’t join again,” Liao said. “I did not press for reasons when he said no.”

La Salle had earlier withdrawn citing the players’ studies as main reason.

UAAP names Marlon Avenido, Gian Berino Athletes of the Year

Source: Manila Times
Tae kwon do jin Marlon Avenido and swimmer Gian Berino of University of Santo Tomas (UST) were named Athletes of the Year in the senior and junior divisions of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 72.

Avenido led the UST men’s tae kwon do team’s back-to-back title romp and was hailed as Most Valuable Player (MVP).

He also competed in five major international tournaments including his silver medal exploits in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos and 1st Asian Martial Arts Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 21-year-old Avenido saw action in the prestigious World Tae kwon do Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, Southeast Asian Tae kwon do Championships in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and KA Open Tae kwon do Championships in South Korea.

Berino, on the other hand, is a three-time swimming MVP and a multigold medalist in Palarong Pambansa.

As expected, UST took its 37th general championship crown in the seniors division with a total of 305 points.

De La Salle University placed second with 252 points followed by Far Eastern University (229), Ateneo de Manila University (222), University of the Philippines (219), University of the East (172), Adamson University (101) and National University (45).

The UST Cubs grabbed the top spot in the juniors class—their 12th title overall.

During awarding ceremonies, Far Eastern University, led by outgoing UAAP President Anton Montinola, handed over the Season 73 hosting chores to De La Salle University, represented by incoming league President Bro. Bernie Oca.
Emil C. Noguera

FEU dismantles UST’s twice-to-beat edge, wins football crown

Source: GMANEWS
Rookie Dexter Chio made up for the absence of Far Eastern University’s (FEU) top striker as the Tamaraws took home the 72nd UAAP men’s football crown, defeating University of Santo Tomas (UST), 1-0, Sunday at the Ateneo field.

Chio, a rookie from Cotabato, scored home the championship-winning goal in the 75th minute, volleying a deflection into the back of the net just outside the penalty box.

FEU played without its top scorer, former national team mainstay Jason Cordova, who served his suspension after getting two yellow cards and an automatic ejection in the first game of the championship.

The Tamaraws also overcame the Tigers’ twice-to-beat advantage entering the finals series.

“This is a great championship for us. Even though we have three players missing, we got the title," said FEU coach Rodolfo Alicante, referring to veterans Jason Almenar and Romnick Jover who were likewise canned after being issued with two yellow cards in the first game.

Cordova scored in the Tamaraws’ 1-0 win over the Tigers Thursday to send the series into a rubber match.

Alicante said the early preparation did wonders for the Tamaraws, who last won the title in 2008, breaking a 28-year-spell.

Jake Hugo led the list of Tamaraws who won individual awards bagging the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. Cordova won the Best Scorer plum while Francis Gustilo bagged the Best Midfielder trophy. Ronnie Aguisanda won the Best Goalkeeper accolade also for the Tamaraws.

David Basa of UST was adjudged as the season’s Best Defender.

It was truly a redemption for the Tamaraws, who lost last season’s crown to University of the Philippines (UP) despite enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals. - GMANews.TV

Year of the Tigers

Source: UAAPSPORTS>COM
Manila, Philippines - The Year of the Tiger may have commenced two weeks ago, but the University of Santo Tomas (UST) men’s and women’s volleyball teams made sure this event would translate into the playing court.

Riding the momentum they gained in their Game 1 victories, the UST Tigers and Tigresses shut down their Finals rivals to sweep the 72nd UAAP seniors’ volleyball competition amid a jam-packed crowd in the San Juan Arena last Saturday.

True to Tigers’ mentor Emil Lontoc’s goal, the boys from España did not drop a set in the championship series as they edged out the gritty Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 to notch their third straight title and 17th overall.

“Of course, I am happy because our preparations have been fruitful,” said Lontoc.

Harby Ilano and John Paul Torres bankrolled the Tigers’ offense as they chipped in 14 points apiece. But it was Henry Pecaña’s all-around excellence that spelled the difference for the Tigers. The fourth-year player came through with seven spikes and two blocks to earn the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum.

“I am overwhelmed and I did not expect this award,” Pecaña said. “Everyone in the team worked hard to get the title.”

Trailing 5-8 in the early goings of the third frame, the Tigers relied on the troika of Ilano, Torres, and Pecaña, who scored through a flurry of quick hits, cross-court shots and combination plays to take the lead, 24-18.

Graduating Tamaraw Joshua Alcarde, however, defined the Morayta-based squad’s last stand as he scored two of FEU’s last three points. Ilano then ended the game with a quick hit that dropped in zone 6.

Alcarde and veteran Nestor Molate carried the scoring cudgels for FEU as they chalked in 13 and 11 markers, respectively. The two, however, failed to get ample scoring support from their teammates.

While they are still savoring this year’s crown, the Tigers have already set their sights on another goal—a four-peat next season in time for UST’s quadricentennial celebration.

“We will work on sweeping next year’s competition as part of UST’s 400th anniversary,” said Lontoc, whose wards took the title last year by winning all of their 17 games.

Earlier, Andre Joseph Pareja of third-place Ateneo de Manila University Eagles took home the Best Spiker and Season MVP plums. Other awardees included De La Salle University’s Chris Macasaet as Best Scorer and Michael Antonio as Rookie of the Year, University of the Philippines’ Lloyd Belgado as Best Blocker and Gerald Magtoto as Best Setter, National University’s Richard Rosero as Best Receiver, and University of the East’s Amenolah Acot as Best Digger. UST’s graduating skipper, Ray Karl Dimaculangan, won the Best Server award for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, the Tigresses recovered from a third-set loss and stood up against a scary fourth-frame challenge by the De La Salle Lady Archers as the España-based squad dethroned the defending champions, 25-18, 25-14, 16-25, 25-15. The Tigresses thus achieved their 14th crown in the league.

“We are extremely happy because we have emerged as champions in every league that we joined this season,” said UST coach Shaq delos Santos, whose wards have conquered the two conferences of the Shakey’s V-League and have defeated La Salle in the Unigames last year. “We dedicate this victory to (former Tigresses’) Coach August (Sta. Maria).”

Graduating player Angeli Tabaquero topscored for the Tigresses with her 13 kills, while captain Aiza Maizo added 11 points. Rookies Maruja Banaticla and Denise Santiago also contributed heavily to the UST’s cause as they poured in 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The scoring parade, however, would not have been possible if not for the brilliant playmaking of UST setter Rhea Dimaculangan, who was adjudged as the Finals’ MVP.

“I am just so happy,” said Dimaculangan, whose older brother was also named as Finals MVP in the Tigers’ championship run last season. “I did not expect this award.” Earlier, she was also declared as Best Server just like her older brother.

After beating the Tigresses convincingly in the third set, the Lady Archers raced to an early 8-3 lead in the fourth frame. UST’s hitters then came to life and staged a 21-5 run after the set’s first technical timeout. The Tigresses also benefited from the Lady Archers’ 33 errors all throughout the game while limiting their miscues to only 22.

With her team already at match point, 24-13, and the UST fans already euphoric, Tabaquero committed a service error. La Salle freshman Abigail Maraño then blocked Maizo to keep the Lady Archers alive—but not for long. Seeing limited minutes in the game and the season, Emeli Zuño ended the game anticlimactically as she delivered a service error that went long.

La Salle’s multi-titled mentor, Ramil de Jesus, however, did not offer any excuses for the loss.

“We prepared hard for this game,” de Jesus said. “But UST prepared harder.”

Jacqueline Alarca and Maraño piloted La Salle’s scoring as they registered 10 points apiece. Charleen Cruz, who at some points in the game worked as a setter, and skipper Stephanie Mercado teamed up for 18 markers.

Earlier, FEU Lady Tamaraws’ Cherry May Vivas emerged as the Best Scorer and Season MVP. Other awardees included Ateneo’s Jem Ferrer as Best Setter, Adamson University’s Paulina Soriano as Best Attacker and Lizlee Ann Gata as Best Digger and Best Receiver. The Lady Archers’ sensational neophyte, Joanne Siy, took home the Best Blocker and Rookie of the Year trophies.

UST, FEU set Finals duel

source: www.uaapsports.com
By Anthony Divinagracia and Ivan de Lara
21 February 2010 09:45 AM

Manila, Philippines - Without complicating matters any longer, fierce rivals University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) barged into the 72nd UAAP men’s volleyball finals by thrashing their Final Four challengers at the San Juan Arena yesterday.

Displaying the form that won them last year’s championship, the Tigers broke no sweat in disposing off the University of the Philippines (UP) Maroons, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21 in the 1:04-long action.

The España-based squad dominated their rivals from Diliman in all fields as the Tigers unloaded 43 spikes, nine kill blocks, and six service aces. Harby Ilano and Henry Pecaña registered 12 points apiece, while John Paul Torres and Salvador Depante had 10 markers each to bring UST to their third straight finals appearance.

The Tigers took advantage of the Maroons’ inadequate defense throughout the scrimmage, setting combination plays anchored on Pecaña and Ilano that eluded UP’s blockers and sweepers.

“Because of our reception, we were able to set up our attacks,” UST head coach Emil Lontoc said. “The players are coming into the finals confident.”

No UP Maroon scored in double figures as Lloyd Belgado chalked up eight markers to pace his teammates, while skipper Jan Paolo Martinez graduated from his UAAP career with three points.

Earlier, the Tamaraws bucked a tentative first set-performance to subdue the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles, 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-17.

“The players were a little slow in the first set, good thing they were able to adjust (in the succeeding frames),” said FEU coach George Pascua.

Nestor Molate and Joshua Alcarde, who were part of the FEU team that last made it to the championship series in Season 70, made sure they would book another finals appearance this year as they dished out 23 and 14 points, respectively.

The Tigers and the Tamaraws last met in the Finals in Season 70, with UST winning the title in three games.

Meanwhile, playing his last UAAP game, Ateneo’s AJ Pareja finished with 12 kills, including one quick hit that went straight to FEU’s Brayn Brioso’s chest in the fourth set. His performance was equaled by sophomore Duane Teves who also had 12 markers.

From Zero to Hero

source: www.uaapsports.com
By Anthony Divinagracia and Ivan de Lara
19 February 2010 01:12 PM
In March 2008, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers, composed mostly of rookies, sophomores, and a few veterans, had the arduous task of facing the highly favored Far Eastern University (UST) Tamaraws in the Season 70 men’s volleyball finals.

It was a David-and-Goliath affair, and pressure was creeping in the system of the young Tigers, but not in John Paul “JP” Torres’.

Coming into the playing court as a substitute for team captain Reno Roque, JP immediately made his presence felt with his strong spikes that ripped through the Tamaraws’ defenses.

“I was not nervous,” JP said. “I was excited. I just did whatever I had been doing during the trainings.”

The Tigers eventually won that series, beating the Tamaraws in Game Three and quashing the Morayta-based squad’s drive for a fourth consecutive title.

Flabby kid

The 20-year-old JP, however, was not always imposing on the court. He used to be a flabby kid coming from a family of athletes. His father used to participate in track and field competitions, while his uncle played basketball. JP, on the other hand, was into tennis.

“I did not start out as a volleyball player,” JP said. “I just played the sport in the streets.”

His street brand of playing though was enough to get the attention of former UST Tiger Spiker Angelo Faustino, who immediately brought him to España. He was just a walk-in applicant, and no other university tried to recruit him. It was understandable as he was not exactly the athletic type.

“He had zero skills and zero attributes when he came in to UST,” said Odjie Mamon, the Tigers’ assistant coach and trainer about his initial impression of JP. “The team got him because he is tall.”

Despite not being a natural volleyball player, the 6’4”-tall JP worked hard to make it to the team.

“He persevered to make the roster,” Mamon said. “He would run for two hours to lose weight. Since getting in the team, he has lost 15 kilos.”

National team-caliber

JP’s hard work has definitely paid off. In Season 71, he was no longer just a substitute. He has become a starter, already a feat in itself especially with the talent that UST fielded in last year.

Playing with team captain Ray Karl Dimaculangan, Reny John Balse, Henry Pecaña, Jayson Ramos, Harby Ilano, Robertly Boto, Charles Reyes, and Roque, JP and the Tigers reasserted their might in Season 71.

UST won all its games in the elimination round, dropping only three sets. The Tigers went on to demolish the University of the Philippines in the finals to complete a rare 17-game sweep en route to their second straight title.

“Of course, every one was happy,” recalled JP, who was named as best player of the finals’ first game. “We worked hard for that title.”

JP’s talent was recognized not only in UAAP but also by the people running the national team. JP was no longer just the flabby kid that tried out for UST’s volleyball team. Mamon said that “his skill is already national team-caliber.”

“Coach Sammy Acaylar (men’s national team coach) invited me to play for the Philippine Team,” JP said, “But my parents were afraid that I might neglect my studies so they did not allow me.”

MVP Numbers

Despite not being able to don the national colors, JP continued to make ripples in the league. This season, the third-year Commerce student amassed 202 points to lead all Tigers in scoring. He is the UAAP’s fourth best scorer, second most efficient spiker, and ninth best blocker—numbers that make him one of the leading candidates for this year’s Most Valuable Player plum.

As the season progresses, the Tigers will definitely pin their hopes on him as they try to gain another finals appearance at the expense of UP, last year’s runner-up, and their semifinals nemesis this year.

“We are all excited, but we still need to work harder,” JP said. “Personally, I still have to improve on my reception and floor defense.”

JP has several days and one more year to do just that as he promises to use his last playing year next season despite the apprehension of his family. This can only mean good news for the Tigers and a cause of worry for their opponents.

La Salle, UST duel for volleyball title

Source mb.com.ph
By JONAS TERRADO
February 21, 2010, 4:53pm
Old rivals La Salle and University of Santo Tomas forged a title showdown after hurdling separate Final Four opponents on Saturday in the 72nd UAAP women's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Archers, seeking a second straight crown, came back from a first set loss to oust the Adamson Lady Falcons, 16-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22, while the Tigresses easily trounced the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 25-12, 25-23, 25-20, for their first finals appearance since winning the title in 2007.

La Salle and UST, who developed a bitter rivalry when they met three straight times in the finals of the Shakey’s V-League from 2004-2005, will start their best-of-three duel on Wednesday.

Five La Salle spikers scored in double figures with Jacqueline Alarca and Charleen Cruz notching 17 and 14 points, respectively. Stephanie Mercado and rookie Abigail Marano added 12 points each.

UST, for its part, leaned on lefty Aiza Maizo and power-hitting Angeli Tabaquero with 16 and 15 points, respectively, as the España-based tossers extended their winning run to 10 games.

Both teams split their first two meetings this season.

La Salle won, 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11, on Dec. 8 as Mercado fired a season-high 28 points.

UST exacted revenge on Valentine’s Day, rallying for a 23-25, 25-20, 26-28, 25-16, 15-12 victory that denied La Salle a rare 14-0 record in the elimination round.

La Salle coach Coach Ramil de Jesus will try to lead his Lady Archers to a sixth title in the last eight years while mentor Shaq delos Santos will try to give the Lady Tigresses a crown since replacing a sick August Santamaria two years ago.