Lady Stags sweep way to volley final

San Sebastian bucked a slow start with aggressive play in the last three sets, beating defending champion St. Benilde, 22-25, 25-22, 25-13, 25-14, yesterday for a thrice-to-beat edge in the finals of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Reigning back-to-back MVP Grethcel Soltones poured it all out and finished with a 30-hit output, including 29 attack points as the Lady Stags completed their nine-game sweep of the elims and headed straight to the finals with a huge advantage.

San Sebastian also swept last year’s elims but faltered in the finals and bowed to St. Benilde. This time, Soltones and the rest of the gritty Lady Stags vowed to complete their unfinished business.

The Lady Stags also made it to the finals in 2015 but lost to the Arellano U Lady Chiefs.

“Past is past, we have to move forward and try to focus on what we have right now, and that is how to prepare for the finals and win the title,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb.

Katherine Villegas and Joyce Sta. Rita chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Vira Guillema produced 48 excellent hits.

But it was the power-hitting Soltones who took charge again for the Recoletos-based squad.

Soltones stepped up from the second set on, blasting away spikes on set and quick plays which the Lady Blazers’ had failed to neutralize.

“I hope she (Soltones) and the team sustain their form and the team also,” said Gorayeb.

In the second game, Arellano U eliminated Perpetual Help, 17-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-13, to clinch the No. 2 seed with an 8-1 mark.

St. Benilde and San Beda wound up third and fourth seeds with identical 6-3 (win-loss) marks and will face off in a knockout duel at the start of the stepladder semis tomorrow.

The winner will take on No. 2 Arellano U, which will enjoy a twice-to-beat incentive.