Fourth time’s the charm for the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags!
The tandem of Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa successfully derailed Jieza and Nieza Viray of the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers in a three-set thriller, 16-21, 21-15, 15-11, to capture their fourth straight beach tiara during the championship round of the NCAA Season 92 Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, held at the sands of the Subic Park Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Soltones was all over the place as she cashed in 21 attacks and 5 service aces, while partner Alyssa Eroa followed up with 10 attacks.
On the other hand, Jieza Viray led San Beda with 13 attacks, while her twin sister Nieza had 12 attacks and 2 service aces.
“Happy kami sobra. Siyempre po sa last year ko po nakuha ko po at naibigay po namin ang gusto namin sa sarili namin, para sa school, kay coach, at lalo na kay God and sa mga sumusuporta sa amin,” Soltones told Tiebreaker Times, moments after winning the title.
It wasn’t the best of starts for the Lady Stags. In the earlier parts of the match, the Viray twins’ strategy of targeting the smaller Eroa was in full effect. With that ploy, the Bedans were able to limit Soltones’ touches and dictated the game to their strengths.
However, things suddenly went south for San Beda. With the ladies from Mendiola having a 14-11 lead, Jieza Viray suddenly rolled her left ankle and the momentum went to San Sebastian’s side. Still, the Viray twins had enough firepower left in them as they won the first set, 21-16.
“Sobrang tapang nung kambal. Well, matapang din naman ang partner ko,” Soltones added. “Good game sila and congrats to them kasi kahit ganoon sila kabata, nakakaabot na sila sa Finals.”
By the time the second and third sets were underway, everything was clicking for the San Sebastian. Capitalizing on their opponent’s injury, the Lady Stags continuously exposed the holes of the San Beda defense. Coupled with Soltones’ power attacks, San Beda ran out of answers and saw San Sebastian win the title over them for the second straight year.
This game also marks Soltones’ last collegiate volleyball game. Despite not capturing success in their indoor tournaments, Soltones can proudly say that she has found gold in her domination of the sands.
“Siyempre po hindi ko po naman ito ineexpect kasi nga we’re just enjoying every game,” Soltones said. “And if ever man na makaabot, happy kami and if ever man na hindi, edi hindi. Ginawa talaga namin ang best namin para makaabot dito.”
