INQUIRER Sports

DEFENDING CHAMPION San Sebastian warmed up for its showdown with pacesetter University of Santo Tomas by walloping Adamson, 25-23, 25-24, 21-25, 26-24, Tuesday night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Stags proved steadier when it mattered with Joy Benito, Jinni Mondejar and Margarita Pepito delivering the crucial kills that clinched San Sebastian’s fifth victory in six games.

The win gives the Lady Stags a confidence boost as they face the Tigresses tomorrow in a rematch of last year’s finals. San Sebastian won its first title at the expense of UST last year.

The Tigresses turned back the Lady Stags in the first conference finals for a record fourth V-League crown early this year.

UST is still unbeaten in six games in the tournament backed by Mikasa, Accel, Mighty Bond and Oracare.

Benito took charge for the Lady Stags, scattering 23 points, including 19 attacks, while Margarita Pepito and guest player Jinni Mondejar both fired 16 hits.

The Lady Falcons looked to have turned the game around in the third set where Pau Soriano uncorked six of her 19 points. But Adamson couldn’t sustain the momentum of that win and faded under the weight of the Lady Stags’ power game.

Adamson fell to a tie of fourth with Ateneo-Oracare at 3-3. The Lady Falcons and Lady Eagles will break their tie in the 4 p.m. showdown Friday.