Lady Stags target No. 8 vs Pirates

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian shoots for the first of two victories it needs to complete a rare sweep of the elims as it faces Lyceum of the Phl U today in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

The Lady Stags, who turned back the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-22, 25-13, 25-13, last Jan. 11 for their seventh straight win, set out as the heavy favorites in their 12:30 p.m. duel as they try to move closer to an outright finals stint where they will enjoy a thrice-to-beat edge.

San Sebastian plays defending champion St. Benilde in the final elims playdate on Wednesday.

LPU, in contrast, is reeling from back-to-back defeats to Perpetual Help, 21-25, 27-29, 23-25, and Arellano U, 23-25, 23-25, 20-25, and fell to 5-3. Another loss will drop the Lady Pirates  out of the Final Four race.

But the Lady Pirates are out to keep their semis hopes alive and spoil the Lady Stags’ sweep bid.

“We really have no choice but to go for a win,” said LPU mentor Emil Lontoc.

That makes San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb a little bit wary.

“It’s always hard to play a team that is desperate so we really have to watch out and play hard,” said Gorayeb.

In juniors play, LPU seeks for a sweep and an outright finals stint as it plays ousted San Sebastian at 3:30 p.m.