It took some doing, but San Sebastian College’s thrilling 25-22, 13-25, 25-18, 16-25, 15-7 win over Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) was enough to clinch the first quarterfinal berth in Group A of the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference at the Philsports Arena yesterday in Pasig City.
Reigning NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones scattered 28 points on 26 kills as the SSC belles assured themselves of a spot in the next round with a 3-1 card.
The Lady Engineers, who made ripples last week when they stunned the Ateneo Lady Eagles, dropped to 2-2 – their quarterfinal aspiration now in peril.
Despite losing the fourth set, the SSC belles quickly raced to a 13-4 lead through the inspired performances of Soltones, Katherine Villegas, and Denice Lim.
“Ni-lessen lang namin yung errors namin nung fifth set,” said Soltones, who also clinched the MVP plum in the last Open Conference.
Villegas and Lim added 11 points apiece for the Lady Stags, while Joyce Sta. Rita contributed 10 points highlighted by five blocks and two aces.
Guest player Mylene Paat scored 17 points for TIP, but the team’s massive 37 errors helped SSC secure the important win.
Earlier, La Salle leaned on another impressive showing by Raymark Woo to stun National University, 26-24, 25-19, 18-25, 25-22, yesterday in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Collegiate Conference.