Lady Stags, Blazers clash for volley title

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian College and St. Benilde dispute the NCAA women’s volleyball championship in sudden death today with the Lady Stags hoping to ride on the momentum of their win last Tuesday and the Lady Blazers out for a payback.

Action starts at  3:30 p.m. at The San Juan Arena.

SSC is expected to lean again on top hitter and back-to-back MVP Gretchel Soltones and CSB hoping to neutralize its rival’s vaunted attacking game with its floor and net defense.

Soltones fired a series-high 31 hits, including 27 on attack points, as she propelled the Lady Stags to a 25-22, 25-19, 26-28, 25-23 victory last Tuesday to force the decider.

The Lady Blazers surprised the Recoletos-based squad in the opener of their best-of-three series, scoring a 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, as they put to naught Soltones’ 27-hit game.

But after foiling CSB in Game 2, SSC coach Roger Gorayeb thinks they have regained momentum, upbeat of their chances to nail a league-best 25th women’s diadem.

“It’s not a sure thing but I think it will be to our advantage because we’re coming off a win and they have one day to make adjustments,” said Gorayeb.

Gorayeb will also be eyeing his 23rd women’s title as coach and fourth straight after scoring a slam of sorts last year after sweeping the Shakey’s V-League titles.

“I just want to win it for the girls and for the school because I don’t count it anymore,” said Gorayeb.

After dropping the first two finals games, Soltones went on attack mode and ended up with a series-best effort, eclipsing her pair of 27-hit performance in the first two games which they lost.

Gorayeb also stressed the need for his role players to step up.

“Gretchel will always be Gretchel. What we need is team effort. We did it that last game and if we can do it again, we’ll have a chance,” said Gorayeb.