SSC retains NCAA women's volley title

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian retained the NCAA women’s volleyball crown for the fifth straight year as it wore down a tough St. Benilde side, 25-23, 26-24, 25-15, in their sudden death at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym over the weekend.

Joy Benito rammed in 19 hits to power the Lady Stags to a 2-1 victory in the best-of-three finals for their fifth crown in a row and their league-best 23 women’s titles.

Letran, meanwhile, edged San Beda, 29-27, 22-25, 25-21, 26-28, 15-11, to clinch its third straight title in the men’s division.

Backing up Benito, who ended up winning this year’s MVP, are Margarita Pepito and Melissa Mirasol.

Giza Yumang unloaded 13 hits while Katty Kwan had nine for the Lady Blazers, who settled for their third straight runners up finish.

Warren Pirante led the Knights’ charge with 21 hits while Ariel dela Cruz made 18 hits.