THE SAN SEBASTIAN College had a secret weapon up their sleeves as they unveiled American Lauren Ford, who proved to be a huge factor in their 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.
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 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. Macatangay was held to six hits while Liza Deramos and Jennifer Manzano ended up with nine and eight points, respectively. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio