ST. MARY'S School bets advanced to the secondary and elementary finals of the 1st XUWVT Invitational Games at the Xavier University gym on September 30.
In a must win situation, St. Mary’s lady spikers snagged the last seat to secondary final after handing Angelicum Learning Center of its only loss in the elimination round via decision set win.
The SMS Fiats were strong in taking the first set, 25-7 but Angelicum rebounded with a 25-17 victory in the second to force a decision.
With their backs against the wall, the Fiats recovered on time as they opened a 12-4 lead, though Angelicum managed to crawl back to within three.
Star spiker Erika Raagas was just in time in the first line rotation as she powered St. Mary’s offensive drive.
St. Mary’s took a 6-point spread at 19-13 with Raagas connecting four spikes including a smart attack from Kathleen Cruz.
Another Angelicum rally had sliced the lead back to three, 20-23. But Angelicum went cold in near end, committing two costly errors to give SMS the game and the seat to the final.
“Kumpyansa kaayo akong SMS ladies sa second set, pero lipay ko nga nibawi sila sa desisyon,” said coach Rene Abut of their upset win.
St. Mary’s will also face Angelicum in the final, still in progress, as of this writing.
Angelicum tossers advanced early after nailing their second straight win before losing to St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s School and Angelicum were tied at 2-1 win-loss card at the end of the elimination round.
In elementary division, St. Mary’s girls will test the mettle of Bulua Central School of coach Kokong Pabilona.
Bulua CS finished spotless in the elimination round at 3-0, while SMS came second at 2-1. (Jaime A. Frias II)