Gone are the days when San Sebastian directed fear to whomever it faced in the NCAA.
Afternoon three-time MVP Gretchel Soltones graduated, the Lady Stags were left with less popular names in an undermanned roster of just eight players.
But despite the struggles, Roger Gorayeb has actually managed to steer the Lady Stags into Final Four contention.
The Lady Stags are, surprisingly, the third seeds in the 10-team ladder of the NCAA Season 93 women’s volleyball tournament after accumulating 14 points on a 4-2 record.
San Sebastian, although having the same record with fourth-seeded University of Perpetual Help, is just one point behind undefeated no.2 team San Beda and three points ahead of the Lady Altas.
“These girls are really fearless,” said Gorayeb in Filipino Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre. “Of course you can’t take away the notion other teams have that we are a weak team because we only have eight players.”
San Sebastian’s last magic act was a three-set humbling of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-9, 25-22, 25-18, where three Lady Stags scored in double figures.
Joyce Sta. Rita had 18 points for the Lady Stags while Nikka Dalisay and Daurene Santos had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Gorayeb said his team may be considered weak, but they know thd stronger teams have the bigger tendency to crack under pressure.
“All teams have that pride, that ego, but when you trip those two their confidence becomes anger and that’s the psychological part of the game,” said Gorayeb. “My players can play seven or eight sets, because we have that character.”