San Beda volleybelles shock San Sebastian
THE lady spikers of San Beda yesterday upset six-time champions San Sebastian Lady Stags, 25-15, 25-19, 25-20 in the 87th NCAA volleyball tournament at the San Beda Gym in Mendiola, Manila.
It was San Beda’s first-ever win over the powerhouse Lady Stags since joining the women’s volleyball competition in 2006 and have lost seven straight games to the Lady Stags.
From a close 15-10 lead in the opening set, the Lioness jumped to 23-12, behind a big run capped by a service ace by reigning best blocker Ces Molna and held on from there. In the second, the Lady Stags, who played minus key players Elaine Cruz, Bonsai Mirasol and Bamcie Belen who graduated last year, raced to a 14-10 lead.
But they relinquished the lead as Janine Mariano racked up several hits to put San Beda on top for good, 24-18. Smelling blood, the Lioness went for the kill in the third set but the Lady Stags would not budge behind reigning MVP Joy Benito to force a 12-12 deadlock. But that proved to be their last stand as the Lioness responded with 7-0 salvo for a 19-12 spread, highlighted by two service aces.
In the other women’s match, the Letran Lady Knights, last year’s runner-up, bucked a slow start to turn back the Lady Bombers, 20-25, 25-16, 25-11. 25-19. Correspondent Jonas Panerio
