Soltones powers SSC over Arellano

MANILA, Philippines - Gretchel Soltones isn’t the reigning MVP for nothing.

Coming through with her season-best effort, Soltones went on a spiking spree and powered San Sebastian to a shock 25-23, 18-25, 25-23, 25-21 victory over defending champion Arellano University yesterday to seize the solo lead in the 91st NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The power-hitting Soltones unleashed a 33-point performance including 31 on spikes that almost single-handedly propelled the Lady Stags to their fifth straight victory and the solo lead.

And Soltones did it with an injured toe.

“She injured her toe a few days ago but she wants to play,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb.

It was also sweet revenge for San Sebastian, which was swept by eventual champion Arellano in two games in last year’s finale.

Shirley Salamagos, CJ Rosario and Danna Henson fired 14, 12 and 10 hits, respectively, but none of them could match Soltones, who played like a woman possessed, relentlessly unloading kills after kills.

The loss sent the Obet Javier-mentored Lady Chiefs from a share of No. 1 to second place with a 4-1 (win-loss) card.

Arellano U got back at San Sebastian in the men’s side with an emphatic 25-18, 25-22, 26-24 win, the former’s third in five outings.

The Stags fell to 1-4.