SSB pips TIP, gains quarters

It took some doing, but San Sebastian College’s thrilling 25-22, 13-25, 2518, 16-25, 15-7 win over Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) was enough to clinch the first quarterfinal berth in Group A of the Shakey’s VLeague Season 13 Collegiate Conference at the Philsports Arena yesterday in Pasig City.

Reigning NCAA MVP Gretchel Soltones scattered 28 points on 26 kills as the SSC belles assured themselves of a spot in the next round with a 3-1 card.

The Lady Engineers, who made ripples last week when they stunned the Ateneo Lady Eagles, dropped to 2-2 – their quarterfinal aspiration now in peril.

Despite losing the fourth set, the SSC belles quickly raced to a 13-4 lead through the inspired performances of Soltones, Katherine Villegas, and Denice Lim.

Guest player Mylene Paat scored 17 points for TIP, but the team’s massive 37 errors helped SSC secure the important win.

Ateneo finally snapped a two-game losing run with a 27-25, 25-13, 25-16 win over University of Perpetual and kept its quarterfinal bid alive.

The loss eliminated the Lady Altas as they absorbed their third straight defeat.

Earlier, La Salle leaned on another impressive showing by Raymark Woo to stun National University, 26-24, 25-19, 1825, 25-22, yesterday in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Collegiate Conference.

Woo finished with 19 points built on 16 attacks and three blocks even as Cris Dumago added 18 markers to help power the Green Archers to their second win in three matches, tying the Bulldogs for the lead in Group A.