SSC whips EAC in NCAA women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines — San Sebastian overpowered a listless Emilio Aguinaldo, 25-19, 25-20, 26-24, yesterday to move up to solo third place in the women’s division of the 94th NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Skipper Joyce Sta. Rita paced her team with 11 points, all coming on spikes, and Nikka Dalisay chipped in 10 hits as the Roger Gorayeb-mentored Lady Stags booked their fourth victory against a loss, which was good for No. 3.

Defending champion Arellano U and last year’s runner-up San Beda lead the way with 5-0 (win-loss) records.

Perpetual Help routed Letran, 25-9, 25-13, 25-12, to bolster its Final Four bid with a 3-2 record, half a game behind No. 4 College of St. Benilde (3-1).

Bianca Tripoli and Jenny Gaviola each unloaded 10 points as the Lady Altas continued their chase of a spot in the Final Four.

In the men’s division, EAC turned back SSC, 25-23, 25-21, 26-24, to improve to a 3-2 card.

Joshua Mina unleashed a match-best 21 points, 18 of them on spikes and three on kill blocks, as the Generals dealt the Stags their third defeat against two wins.

In juniors’ play, SSC pulled off a come-from-behind 21-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-13 triumph over EAC to jump to No. 3 with a 4-1 mark.