Soltones unstoppable as San Sebastian nears sweep

MANILA, Philippines – Gretchel Soltones went on beast mode and powered San Sebastian to a 20-25, 25-13, 25-11, 25-14 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University and a win away from sweeping its way straight to the finals in the women's division of the 91st NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City on Thursday.

The crisp-hitting Soltones unloaded a match-best 27 points, 24 of which came on attacks, as the Lady Stags registered their eighth win in row or one closer to completing a nine-game elimination round sweep that will catapult them straight to the finals where they will enjoy a thrice-to-beat edge.

For San Sebastian to accomplish the feat, it will need to beat dangerous College of St. Benilde, currently at No. 3 with a 5-1 (win-loss) record, on Sunday.

"I will be a liar if I told you we're not looking to sweep. We worked hard to make it this far and we wouldn't want to pass up on this golden opportunity," said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, the national women's team coach and a Grand Slam winner in the Shakey's V-League.

San Sebastian is also looking to make it to the finals for the second straight season and avenge its loss to the eventual champion Arellano U via sweep last year.

And Gorayeb thinks Soltones, the reigning league MVP who uncorked 13 in a 25-11, 25-17, 25-15 victory over Letran last Tuesday, is in the heart of it.

"She's been carrying us the whole season and she's the biggest reason of our success," said Gorayeb of Soltones.

In men's action, LPU trounced San Sebastian, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, in a non-bearing contest to end its campaign with a 4-5 card.

The Stags fell to 3-5.