Streaking Lady Altas, Lady Stags snatch 4th straight win

PUERTO GALERA – Last year’s finalists University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and San Sebastian College continued their dominance in the 89th NCAA women’s beach volleyball tournament here Thursday.

The Lady Altas, who just completed a three-peat in the indoor games, and the Lady Stags grabbed their fourth consecutive victory to come close to another possible finals clash.

The duo of Vhima Condada and Jamela Suyat overpowered the tandem of Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Arriana Angustia and Marie Lorenzo in straight sets, 21-15, 21-19, after surviving a three-setter match against the pair of Jhemil Abadilla and Sarah Gonzales of Lyceum of the Philippines University, 21-14, 13-21, 15-8.

A Junior Education student, Condada nailed back-to-back aces in the second frame of their match against the Lady Generals to complete a comeback after trailing by six markers at midway, 8-14.

“Wala kaming depensa (second set), good thing nakabawi kami,” the 19-year-old Condada said as she disclosed once again that there’s still pressure on their part.

Related story: Perpetual, San Beda post wins in NCAA beach volley

“We just need to adjust every game para ma-reach namin yung goal namin na three-peat” she added.

The tandem of Gretchel Soltones and Czarina Berbano, meanwhile, are itching to make it to the finals once again and get back at the Lady Altas.

Despite a hectic schedule on the second day, San Sebastian managed to sweep all of their three games, including a nail-biting win over Angelica Legacion and Elaine Sagun of Arellano University, 21-18, 19-21, 15-12.

Berbano handed the Lady Chiefs’ first loss in four outings (3-1) with a joust at the middle of the net against Sagun.

“Syempre gusto namin makabalik sa finals and makuha yung title,” the veteran Berbano said, adding that they need to do it one step at a time.

“Last year kulang kami sa communication, nag-relax, ngayon focused kami not just inside the court, pati sa labas.”

In the men’s division, defending champion Perpetual Altas stretched their winning streak to five games after mauling San Beda College, 21-16, 21-11, thanks to the solid showing of reigning MVP Jay R. Dela Cruz and his new partner Rey Taneo.