San Sebastian started off its campaign in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament with a strong sweep of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-16, 25-19, 25-16, Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Stags, who began their new life without three-time MVP Grethcel Soltones, played just seven of their eight total players but showed resiliency down the stretch.
Dangie Encarnacion scored on back-to-back check balls that sent San Sebastian to the 24-16 match point before Daurene Santos finished it all off with an ace.
San Sebastian head coach Roger Gorayeb emphasized that they should rely on their own in the absence of Soltones.
“I always tell them that with Grethcel gone they should be able to stand on their own feet,” said Gorayeb in Filipino.
“When Grethcel was still here the offense went through her for like 70 percent of the time so the players would tend to sit back instead of stepping up. Now that Grethcel’s gone maybe they will start performing better.”
San Sebastian had its relentless attack going on as it bombarded EAC with 44 scoring spikes and 12 service aces.
That constant attack, however, also had a downside as the Lady Stags gave away 25 free points to the Generals due to errors.
Captain Joyce Sta. Rita, Encarnacion, Nikka Dalisay, and Santos all had 13 points for San Sebastian.
Jaylene Lumbo and Ladeisheen Magbanua each had six points to lead the Generals.