San Sebastian drew strength from a strong performance of Gretchel Soltones as it stunned last year’s titlist Arellano University, 25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-21, Saturday to grab the solo lead in the 91st NCAA women’s volleyball competition at The Arena in San Juan City.
The power-hitting Soltones, the reigning MVP, blasted away with a season-best 33 hits including a whopping 31 on spikes as the Lady Stags jumped to the top with a pristine 5-0 (win-loss) record.
“We knew she’s feeling it, that’s why we made it a point to go to her a lot,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb of Soltones.
The Lady Stags also avenged their two-gane sweep in the finals at the hands of the Lady Stags.
Shirley Salamagos, CJ Rosario and Danna Henson uncorked 14, 12 and 10 hits, respectively, but none of them just didn’t have anything to slow down Soltones.
The sentback sent the Obet Javier-mentored Lady Chiefs from a share of No. 1 to second place with a 4-1 (win-loss) card.
In men’s play, Arellano U trounced San Sebastian, 25-18, 25-22, 26-24, to improve to 3-2.
The Stags fell to 1-4.