The Lady Stags are just two wins away from ending their drought.
In what was expected to be a slobber-knocker, the San Sebastian College Lady Stags dismantled the slumping College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in four sets 25-20, 22-25, 25-17, 25-18, completing the elimination round sweep and earning an outright berth to the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Finals at the FilOil Flying V Arena earlier today.
Although the Lady Blazers were much taller, the Lady Stags’ defensive discipline and quick feet gave then the edge. The Alyssa Eroa-led SSC back row notched an astounding 41 excellent digs to CSB’s 17.
SSC also leaned heavily on reigning MVP Grethcel Soltones who put together a magnificent all-around effort. The National Team mainstay scored 32 points off 24 attacks, six aces, and two blocks while also contributing defensively with seven digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Middle Blocker, Jeanette Panaga topped the Lady Blazers with 17 points off 12 blocks, four aces, and a block while Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa each managed nine markers.
With a 9-0 record, SSC moves on to the Finals with a thrice-to-beat advantage. The Final Four now moves to a stepladder where the other three teams throw down in elimination matches starting with the fourth seed CSB (6-3) taking on the third place UPHSD Lady Altas (7-2) on Tuesday. The AU Lady Chiefs (8-1) await the winner of that match who they face on Friday.
In the day’s first match, the UPHSD Lady Altas swiftly took care of the CSJL Lady Knights in straight sets 25-12, 25-13, 25-21 to cap their elimination round campaign.
The Lady Altas displayed playoff form, lording in over their foes in every offensive skill; 36-24 in attacks, 8-1 in blocks, and 14-1 in service aces. They also had a season-low 17 errors to Letran’s 30.
Open Hitter, Jamela Suyat led five Lady Altas who scored in double-digits with 13 points while Coleen Bravo, Lourdes Clemente, Ana Diocareza, and Cindy Imbo each pitched in 10 points.
Letran ended their season without a win.