The San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags picked up their first win of the post-Grethcel Soltones era, whipping the Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, in Group A of the Women’s Collegiate Conference.
The Mendiola-based spikers exerted their mastery over the Lady Bombers at the net, stifling their foes’ offense. San Sebastian built a 16-10 wall in the first set then clawed back from a 9-12 deficit in the second frame, forcing a 12-all tie and sprinting in the latter portions.
The third set was close until San Sebastian captain Joyce Sta. Rita sparked a run that pushed her squad to an insurmountable 22-17 advantage.
“Sumali kami sa tournament na ‘to para matuto silang tumayo sa sarili nilang mga paa,” said Lady Stags head coach Roger Gorayeb, lamenting the graduation of three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones. “Marami akong players na hindi naman rookie, pero parang rookie pa rin mag-isip kasi nakadepende sila kay Grethcel for the longest time.”
Sta. Rita filled Soltones’ scoring role against JRU, piling up 16 points off 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while open hitter Nikka Dalisay added 13 markers.
JRU skipper Shola Alvarez topped her squad with 13 points, all off attacks. Rookie Dolly Versoza added 11.
The Lady Stags (1-1) take on the National University Lady Bulldogs (1-0) on Monday. Meanwhile, the Lady Bombers (0-2) try to recover against NCAA rivals Lyceum Lady Pirates (0-1) next Wednesday.
The Scores
SSC-R (3) – Sta. Rita 16, Dalisay 13, Santos 11, Encarnacion 7, Tiangco 3, Delos Reyes 1, Guillema 1, Perez 1, Dela Torre 0, Eroa (L)
JRU (0) – Alvarez 13, Versoza 11, Montojo 8, Rivera 4, Ebuenga 3, Bodiongan 2, Bautista 0, Sibangan 0, Macaraya (L)
