NCAA volleyball: San Sebastian starts life after Soltones era

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

Things will be a lot different for San Sebastian as it starts life in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament without three-time MVP Grethcel Soltones who graduated from the team in 2016.

The Lady Stags will face off against Emilio Aguinaldo College in the 12 pm opening game at Filoil Flying V Centre.

San Sebastian head coach Roger Gorayeb said they’ve brushed off last season’s championship heartbreak after they saw their thrice-to-beat advantage crumble against title-holder Arellano University.

“We’re already looking at the future,” said Gorayeb. “In fact, after this year, we have four or five recruits coming in and we expect them to really make a significant impact on the team right away.”

San Sebastian will now rely on the defensive leadership of Alyssa Eroa while leaning on May Guillema, Joyce Stan Rita, and Dangie Encarnacion on offense.

“We’re still a fighting team but we have to avoid injuries,” said Gorayeb.

Champions Lady Chiefs will start their title defense against Mapua with Jovielyn Prado leading the charge against te Lady Cardinals at 1:30 pm.

Backing up Prado are Regine Arocha, Necole Ebuen, and Andrea Marzan as Arellano shoots for its third title in four years.