SSC stops San Beda run, completes NCAA beach volleyball 3-peat

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian's Gretchel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa ended San Beda twins Maria Jeziela and Maria Nieza Viray's giant-slaying ways with a 14-21, 21-9, 15-6 victory over the weekend to clinch a three-peat feat in the 91st NCAA beach volleyball tournament at the Boardwalk in Subic.

Eroa, a libero in San Sebastian's indoor volleyball team, stepped up big after replacing an injured Dangie Encarnacion midway in the event and then partnered with the power-hitting Soltones to pull the rug from under the Virays in the finals to clinch the Lady Stags' third straight title and a league-best sixth overall.

Encarnacion, who was the other half of the team that won back-to-back titles, suffered a deep cut on her left chin after she accidentally crashing to the metal barrier while attempting to retrieve the ball in their loss to the Virays in early in the elimination round.

It turned out a blessing in disguise as Eroa stepped in and blended well with Soltones as the two went on a rampage they capped with the pulsating three-set triumph over the sensation Viray twins.

"At first we struggled but we adjusted well and peaked at the right time," said Soltones of her partnership with Eroa.

The title conquest also more than made up for the Lady Stags' failed championship bid in indoor volleyball last month when they swept their way to the finals with an elims sweep only to get ambushed by the St. Benilde Lady Blazers, the eventual winners.

This time though, Soltones made sure they wouldn't blow their chance again.

"We're tired of losing," said Soltones.

Putting icing on the cake was Soltones' third straight MVP trophy while the men's MVP went to Mapua's John Cuzon.

San Sebastian's Romeo Teodones, Jr. was the juniors MVP.

It was San Sebastian's second title in beach volley after its high school team dethroned last year's titlist Emilio Aguinaldo with a 20-22, 21-19, 15-13 win.

It was the second crown for the Junior Stags, who finished sixth last year, since they reigned supreme six seasons ago.

"The school is really proud of their accomplishments," said Atty. Reynold Munsayac, San Sebastian's NCAA Management Committee representative.