GRETCHEL Soltones (left) INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
San Sebastian offset the loss of its star spiker Gretchel Soltones with a balanced effort and beat Technological Institute of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19, in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday night at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Lady Stags had five players with seven points each led by Jolina Labiano’s game-high 21 points.
“This is a big win for us because it gives us a chance to make it to the next round,” said San Sebastian assistant coach Clint Malazo.
“During our first few games, we’ve been having trouble adjusting without Gretchel because she contributes a lot of points for us,” Malazo said. “So I told the team we have to distribute the points Gretchel usually makes.”
Soltones continues to play the role of libero as she recovers from a shoulder injury. And with the national team mainstay prevented from being the scorer that she is, her teammates picked up the slack.
Katherine Villegas scored 15 points and Mariel Sinamban tallied 11 while Nikka Dalisay and Nikka Arabe recorded seven points apiece.