San Sebastian eliminates UST in V-League q’finals

San Sebastian Lady Stags led by Gretchel Soltones. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Sebastian sprinted away from harm and left University of Santo Tomas in the dust, 25-20, 25-18, 16-25, 25-19, in the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Wednesday at Philsports Arena.

Katherine Villegas sealed the Lady Stags’ first win in the quarterfinals while sending the Golden Tigresses reeling to their fourth straight loss dating back to the eliminations.

UST fell to 0-2 in the quarterfinals and failed to enter the final four stages of the tournament for the first time since the offseason league began.

“Ngayon nagsisikap mga bata makapasok ng quarterfinals and mabuti naman nanalo kami sa unang game,” said Lady Stags assistant coach Clint Malanzo.

San Sebastian’s only hiccup in the match was its lackluster third set but Malanzo was glad the Lady Stags were able to turn it around in the fourth.

“Third set napagod na kami nang kaunti… buti nabaliktad namin kasi delikado kalaban UST, kayang bumalik, sa height pa lang talo na kami.”

Defending NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones led all scorers with 23 points while Villegas and Joyce Sta. Rita added nine points apiece.

Guest player Eya Laure led UST with 16 points while Ria Meneses added 11.