Shola Alvarez, JRU upset San Sebastian

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Shola Alvarez went off for Jose Rizal University, steering her side to a five-set victory over perennial contender San Sebastian, 27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 16-25, 15-12, in the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The 20-year-old open spiker exploded for 28 points, 24 of which off kills to go with four blocks as the Lady Bombers earned their first win of the season and finally got one over the Lady Stags.

“This is my last season and I hope I could get to play in the Final Four,” said Alvarez, who suited up for Pocari Sweat in the Premier Volleyball League and is eyeing to anchor JRU to the Final Four in her final year.

Coach Mia Tioseco relished this historic victory as the Lady Bombers now have their eye on continuing their rise.

“I’ve heard that we’ve never won against San Sebastian even before I became coach here five years ago. And we’re happy we made history,” she said.

Alessandra Anne Javier added 15 markers for JRU.

It was a shocking defeat for San Sebastian, which swept the elimination phase for the past two seasons. Their efforts over the last two years, however, ended in heartbreaks, losing to St. Benilde and Arellano in the Finals.

Nikka Marielle Dalisay paced the Lady Stags (1-1) with 17 points, while Daurene Santos and Joyce Sta. Rita both had 16.

In the first match, Letran earned its first victory with a straight sets win over Mapua, 25-22, 25-17, 25-19.

Marie Simborio unfurled 16 points to lead Letran, which evened its record at 1-1.

Patria Jela Pena topped Mapua (0-2) with 19.