Lady Stags sweep NCAA beach volley, deliver promised 'pasalubong' to mentor

PUERTO GALERA – Before arriving at the white shores of Oriental Mindoro, the vicious duo of Gretchel Soltones and Czarina Berbano promised longtime mentor Roger Gorayeb, who was left in Manila, that they will bring him a pasalubong like a t-shirt, sando or necklace made with pearls.

The multi-titled head coach instead requested for a symbolic figurine made with wood – a championship trophy.

The title had been elusive for the Lady Stags for the last five years wherein they fell short several times, including a heartbreak runner-up finish against former two-time champion University of Perpetual Help last year.

Related story: No slowing down for streaking Lady Stags in NCAA beach volley

The ravenous, determined Lady Stags turned their longtime dreams into reality here Saturday after finishing the league unblemished in 12 games and eventually getting what Gorayeb wanted from the start.

San Sebastian showed no mercy in every match and put their hearts out in the most crucial game of the competition to snatch the title at the expense of host Arellano University in a decider, 21-12, 19-21, 15-8.

“Sobrang saya kasi ang tagal naming hinintay ito,” Berbano, a senior Mass Communication student, said as they finally completed their mission.

League MVP Soltones admitted that they didn’t expect to finish with an unscathed record, given their mediocre preparation.

“Worth it lahat ng pinagod namin,” she said, delighted that they could finally enjoy the inviting clear waters here.

“Nahirapan kami mag-adjust kasi sa hard court lang kami nag-training. Ang iniisip lang namin huwag lang kaming mape-pressure,” she added.

Aside from winning the title, the Lady Stags claimed vengeance after dethroning Perpetual in dominant fashion, 21-9, 21-15.

Soltones and Berbano will be coming home as the new queens of the beach volley, bringing what Gorayeb asked for three days ago.

“Ayaw niya ng t-shirt, gusto niya trophy, ito na ‘iyon,” the duo said, smiling in relief.