SSC blanks Letran, gets share of lead in NCAA women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines – San Sebastian rode on Gretchel Soltones' heroics as it routed Letran, 25-18, 25-21, 25-10, on Thursday to grab a share of the women's lead with Arellano University in the 90th NCAA volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Soltones, who honed her skills playing in the Shakey's V-League, continued to show MVP form as she unloaded 16 hits, 13 of which came from attacks while the other three from aces, as the Lady Stags joined the Lady Chiefs at the helm with pristine 5-0 (win-loss) records.

"I'm not surprised with her strong play because she trained hard for the NCAA," said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, referring to the power-spiking Soltones.

Gorayeb also had the luxury of shuffling his players as she employed 13 of his players with only the veteran Soltones playing the whole three sets.

Except for libero Alyssa Eroa, all players sent it scored at list a hit with Nikka Dalisay scattering eight in just two sets.

"We're trying to give some of the players, especially the new ones confidence in tougher games," said Gorayeb.

It's men's team needed the full, five-set route to eke out a 19-25, 21-25, 25-18, 28-26, 15-13 win over Letran.

It was the Stags' third win against two losses while the Knights' fourth defeat against two triumphs.

In juniors' action, San Sebastian completed a day sweep of Letran with a pulsating 25-16, 18-25, 21-25, 27-25, 20-18 win to improve to a 2-1 slate.