In one of the most shocking turn of events in league history, the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags completed a straight-sets win against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, highlighted by a monumental third set rally, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23, in Group A of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
The game came down to who could manage to pass more consistently. Both teams struggled to connect at several points of the match, but the Lady Stags limited their miscues at crucial points. Ateneo had erased a 23-20 lead in the first set to tie at 23, but their own back-to-back errors handed the set to SSC.
The Lady Eagles then started the second frame strongly, taking a 12-4 lead before the Lady Stags mounted another rally. “Baste” played tough defense and managed to tie the set at 14, then take a 23-15 lead. Kim Gequillana’s serving then pulled Ateneo to within three, 23-20, before they collapsed again and gave up an error, then a Nikki Dalisay hit.
The third set seemed to be in Ateneo’s favor, as they took a commanding 23-10 advantage.
“Sa totoo lang fourth set na ang nasa isip ko noon,” said San Sebastian assistant coach Clint Malazo. “Nawalan din ng receive ang Ateneo kaya nagaka-opportunity kami.”
Grethcel Soltones scored then took to the service line, sparking the game-clinching 15-0 run that saw Ateneo struggle to control her float serves.
Three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones finished with 16 points, while fellow winger Denice Lim added 12 markers.
“Kung sino ang walang receive kanina, ‘yun ang talo. Nagkataon lang kanina na mas maganda ang pasahan namin,” Malazo followed.
Rookie Jules Samonte towed the Lady Eagles with 10 points, while Mich Morente and Ponggay Gaston added nine markers.
The Lady Stags (2-1) take on the Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers (1-0) in their final elimination round match on August 15 at the PhilSports Arena. Ateneo (0-2) take on the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas (0-1) on the same day in the same venue.
The Scores
SSC-R (3) – Soltones 16, Lim 12, Sta. Rita 9, Dalisay 6, Villegas 5, Oliveros 1, Guillema 0, Encarnacion 0, Villegas 0, Cruz (L), Eroa (L)
ADMU (0) – Samonte 10, Gaston 9, Morente 9, De Leon 8, Gequillana 6, Morado 5, Gopico 3, Lavitoria 0, Tan (L)
