DAHLIA Cruz carried the scoring cudgels when it mattered the most as she got four hits in the close-out set to lead the Philippine Army to a 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20 win over Ateneo in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference yesterday at the Arena in San Juan City.
Cruz came through with two kills, a block and a service winner as the The Lady Troopers took six of the last 10 points to frustrate the Lady Eagles, who threatened last at 16-19, and book their fifth straight victory in tournament sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.
The win primed up Army for a battle royale with fellow quarterfinalist San Sebastian at the close of the single round elims tomorrow.
Michelle Carolino, coming back strong from a five-hit, one-set performance in a similar four-set victory over Maynilad last Sunday, fired 16 kills this time and topscored with 20 hits while Mary Jean Balse added 18 points.
Joanne Buñag and Marietta Carolino added 11 hits each and Cruz finished with 10 points, including four blocks, for the Army spikers, who unloaded 63 attacks as against the Lady Eagles’ 36 to underscore their domination of the first conference champions.
Alyssa Valdez and Fille Cainglet played true to form and combined for 30 hits but the Lady Troopers proved too much for the Lady Eagles, who closed out their elimination-round campaign with four straight losses after back-to-back victories. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio