The San Beda College Lady Red Spikers secured their second consecutive semifinals appearance after fending off last year’s finalists San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags, 25-14, 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, Tuesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After dominating that opening set, the Lady Red Spikers had to fend off their cross-street neighbors in the succeeding sets. San Sebastian almost lost the third set after leading 18-10, but fortunately for them, Daurene Santos and Joyce Sta. Rita saved the frame.
However, San Beda head coach Nemesio Gavino, Jr. just reminded his wards to adjust on defense. “Sinabihan ko lang na maging aggressive sa depensa, kasi ‘yung San Sebastian hindi rin ‘yan titigil,” he said.
The Lady Red Spikers produced 65 digs leading to 47 attack points. Cesca Racraquin registered 17 of these spikes to lead all Lionesses at 20 in total. Her fellow outside hitter Nieza Viray finished with 12 markers.
This is San Beda’s first win against San Sebastian in six seasons.
Team captain Sta. Rita paced the Lady Stags at 16 points.
San Beda (7-1) will go for the twice-to-beat bonus when they face the Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-6) on Friday. San Sebastian (5-3) will try to save their season when they battle the Arellano University (7-1) the day before.
The Scores:
SBC 3 – Racraquin C 20, Viray N 12, Viray J 10, Paras 6, Espiritu 5, Cuevas 5, Tannagan 1, Racraquin D L, Buno L.
SSCR 1 – Sta. Rita 16, Santos 15, Dalisay 8, Encarnacion 7, Guillema 4, Tiangco 3, Amponin 0, Eroa L.
