SSC takes on Benilde; Perpetual clashes with EAC in NCAA men’s volleyball

Games Tuesday:

(The Arena, San Juan)

12 p.m. – Perpetual Help vs EAC (jrs)

2 p.m. – Perpetual vs EAC (srs)

4 p.m. – San Sebastian vs St. Benilde (W)

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian eyes the first of two wins needed for a season sweep as it collides with St. Benilde while Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo clash for the men's and juniors title in Tuesday's three-game 91st NCAA volleyball finals at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Stags pulled off a nine-game sweep of the elimination round to gain outright finals entry and a thrice-to-beat edge or a 1-0 lead in a best-of-five series against the Lady Blazers set at 4 p.m.

The men's and juniors teams of Perpetual Help and EAC, for their part, take on each other in a pair of best-of-three showdowns at 2 p.m. and 12 p.m., respectively.

San Sebastian had won a league-best 24 women's championships, 22 of which under the tutelage of coach Roger Gorayeb, while St. Benilde is determined to win its first ever crown after two failed attempts.

Grethcel Soltones will be the main focus of San Sebastian's offense as the reigning MVP has was the biggest reason the team made it this far.

"She's the heart and soul of this team but we will need every single one to contribute," said Gorayeb, who had won a rare coaching Grand Slam after winning three championships in the Shakey's V-League last year.

San Sebastian and St. Benilde will play in the finals for the third time after the former be the latter in 2008 via sweep and the next year via a 2-1 series triumph.

In men's play, EAC is seeking a title repeat against a Perpetual Help squad looking for an 11th championship, all under mentor Sammy Acaylar.

"It's a nice feeling to be back in the Finals," said Acaylar.

The Altas though will have their hands full against the reigning MVP Howard Mojica and the Generals, whom the former lost in two games entering the finals.

In juniors' action, the Junior Altas are gunning for a second straight crown also in a best-of-three series with the Brigadiers.