Lady Stags halt Falcons, enhance quarterfinal bid

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian weathered a spirited charge by Adamson and escaped with a hard-earned 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 26-24 win to close in on the leaders in the penultimate elims playdate in the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at The Arena in San Juan late Tuesday.

The Lady Stags hung tough with two-point victories in the first two sets of a tightly-fought contest, yielded the third frame but outlasted the Lady Falcons in an extended fourth-set duel to hack out the win in 1:46.

It was SSC’s fifth win against a loss as it firmed up its hold of third place, just within striking distance of the unbeaten UST Tigresses (6-0) and the second-running FEU Lady Tams (6-1), heading into the final elims playdate of the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

The victory also primed up the Lady Stags for their much-awaited encounter with the Tigresses tomorrow in what could be a preview of a title repeat between two teams that disputed the first conference crown of the league backed by Mikasa, Accel, Mighty Bond and OraCare last June.

Joy Benito pumped in 23 points, including 19 attacks, as she teamed up with Margarita Pepito and guest player Jinni Mondejar, who both had 16 hits, and Melissa Mirasol, Darna Robinos and Jennelyn Belen who combined for 23 points.