Pau Soriano saves best for last as Smart pulls off V-League All-Star comeback

TEAM Smart put its act together in the last two sets to pull off a come-from-behind 18-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory over Team Shakey's in the All Star Game capping the first-ever Shakey's V-League All-Star Weekend powered by Smart at The Arena in San Juan on Sunday.

Former Adamson standout Pau Soriano delivered the match-clinching hit for the Smart side that also included Ateneo hotshot Alyssa Valdez, University of Santo Tomas' Maru Banaticla, Ateneo's Gem Ferrer and National U's Dindin Santiago and Jen Reyes.

Team Shakey's, led by Phl Army's Mary Jean Balse and Rachel Anne Daquis, Tina Salak, former La Salle star Maureen Penetrante, Jheck Dionela and Michelle Carolino, looked headed for a romp after taking a 2-1 set advantage but failed to neutralize Smart’s fiery comeback.

Spicing up the event, put up Smart and Shakey’s, was the participation of GMA 7 talents Vonne Aquino and Betina Carlos, who suited up for Smart, and Lala Roque and LJ Reyes, who played for Shakey's.

Earlier, official Shakey's merchandises, including balls with autographs of the league's most popular stars, were auctioned off as part of the Shakey’s V-League's drive to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Team Smart was coached by Roger Gorayeb while Nestor Pamilar handled Team Shakey's in the novel event which served as the highlight of the league’s banner 10th season.

Others who saw action in the All-Star Weekend, backed by Mikasa and Accel and organized by Sports Vision, were Ateneo's Fille Cainglet and Charo Soriano, Army's Lovelyn Gonzaga, San Sebastian's Gretchel Soltones for Team Smart and Ruby de Leon, Aiza Maizo, Suzanne Roces and Angeli Tabaquero for Team Shakey's.