San Sebastian deals first loss to San Beda in NCAA women’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Banking on a strong fifth set start, San Sebastian dealt San Beda its first setback with a 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, 19-25, 15-7 win Friday in the NCAA season 89 women’s volleyball tournament.

Surviving an error-filled game, the Lady Stags raced to a 7-0 lead in the fifth set and put the game beyond recall at 13-4 after a service ace from setter Trisha Crisostomo.

But vocal San Sebastian mentor Roger Gorayeb was dismayed by his squad’s performance, as they gave away 41 points on errors in two-hour and eight minute match.

“They weren’t playing like themselves, it was hard to coach,” said Gorayeb, who returned this year at San Sebastian bench after sitting out in Season 88 due to suspension.

“We had too many errors. We might have won the second set but we only had 16 errors [in that set].”

Jolina Labiano, Gretchel Soltones and substitute Bea Uy, though, all had solid games for the Lady Stags.

Labiano had 18 hits, including five service aces, Soltones finished with 17 points, and also had eight digs while Uy had three service aces for a 10-point effort.

Janine Marciano had to bleed for her points but still recorded 20 hits, while Ces Molina added 19 for San Beda, which gained a lifeline in the fourth frame, but stumbled in the decider.

Later, Arellano University joined the Lady Red Lions on top with a 25-21, 25-20, 25-15 victory over Lyceum.

Cristine Joy Rosario recorded 13 hits, including four blocks, while Menchie Tubiera added 10 points and eight digs as the Lady Chiefs coasted to their fifth straight win.

Cherilyn Sindayen collected nine points while Sarah Jane Gonzales added seven markers for the Lady Pirates (1-5).