GRETCHEL SOLTONES pulled off a Most Valuable Player (MVP) performance as San Sebastian College preserved its pristine record with a 25-22, 25-13, 25-13 victory over University of Perpetual Help in the Season 92 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball action at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City on Wednesday.
Soltones was in her best elements against the Lady Altas and finished with a game-high 19 points for the Lady Stags, whose 7-0 won-lost card made them the first team to advance to the Final Four.
The back-to-back MVP Soltones highlighted her game with 18 spikes, numbers that brightened her chances to again hoist the biggest individual trophy in the season.
San Sebastian also moved closer to sweeping its way to the finals—only the Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates (January 23) and reigning titlist College of Saint Benilde (January 25) stand in the way of the Lady Stags.
A sweep would give San Sebastian a tremendous thrice-to-beat advantage in the championship, while turning the Final Four into a stepladder competition.
The Lady Altas fell to their third loss against as many wins. One more loss and they are out of the semifinals picture.
Arellano University stunned defending champion Saint Benilde, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, to stay solo at No. 2 with a 6-1 (won-loss) record.
Skipper Rialen Sante scattered 15 points to lead the Lady Chiefs, who also drew impressive performances from Jovielyn Prado (13 hits) and Ma. Erica Calixto (10 hits).
Arellano University is now unbeaten in six matches after opening the season with a loss to San Sebastian. The Lady Blazers absorbed their second loss in eight outings.
In men’s action, Saint Benilde edged Arellano University, 23-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-20, to seize the solo lead and clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four spot. The Chiefs slid to 5-2.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza