Lady Archers posts 12th win

SKIPPER Stephanie Mercado punched in 16 points, two blocks and two ace services to spearhead De La Salle University’s parade for a 12th straight win in the 72nd UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.

Quarter scores are 25-15, 19-25, 25-15, 25-13 in favor of the Taft-based spikers as they overwhelmed the hapless National University to a parallel 12th straight loss.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Charleen Cruz added 14 points and two ace services while Jacqueline Alarca contributed 11 points to keep the Lady Archers winning run.

Mervic Mangui led the losing effort for the Lady Bulldogs with 17 points and a block.

Meanwhile, rival Ateneo de Manila on Sunday achieved their second semifinals appearance in three years by turning back also ran University of the East, 25-16, 27-25, 25-17.

By posting a 9-4 slate, the Ateneo surpassed its eight-win total in 2007-08, the season where the Lady Eagles entered the 'Final Four' for the first time since joining the league in 1978.

In the men's division, defending champions University of Santo Tomas posted the season's shortest win as the Tigers blasted NU in only 48 minutes, 25-16, 25-12, 25-16.

John Paul Torres tallied 13 points while Jayson Ramos and Harby Ilano had 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Tigers strengthened their grip of the top spot going into the semifinals with 11-1 (win-loss) record.

With the win, UST is now ahead of Far Eastern University (10-2),
Ateneo (7-6) and De La Salle University (7-6).

Danilo Ramosa bannered the cellar-dweller Bulldogs with eight points Jasper Adorador and team captain Ariel Baloaloa combined for 12 points to a disappointing 3-10 slate. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)