San Sebastian claims first V-League triumph at expense of TIP

MANILA, Philippines — Jolina Labiano poured 21 points to push the San Sebastian College Lady Stags past the gritty Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers, 25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19 in the Shakey’s V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday, July 25 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

It was the first win of the Lady Stags in 3 outings, which they openly celebrated with loud cheers emanating from their locker room. 

“Booster sa amin to kasi kailangan namin manalo ng two wins para makapasok sa next round,” said coach Clint Malazo. “Itong win na ‘to may chance pa kami makapasok.” 

(This is a booster for us because we need two wins to reach the second round. With this win we have a chance.)

Katherine Villegas had 15 points on 9 spikes, 4 blocks and two aces while Mariel Sinamban chipped in 11. 

It was a total team effort for a reeling San Sebastian with veterans Grethcel Soltones and Nikka Arabe both still nursing injuries.

National team member Soltones still needs two months recovery for a right shoulder injury she sustained before the recent SEA Games and is still not allowed to twist her shoulder for spikes, leaving her on duty as a libero.

Incoming 5th year Arabe, who had 7 points in the win, also aggravated her left knee MCL injury. 

Malazo said his team is slowly adjusting to their line-up compared to their first two games.

“Sa umpisa nung mga unang games namin, hindi pa kami sanay ng wala si Grethcel,” he explained. “Kasi ang laki ng puntos na naco-contribute niya tapos biglang mawawala. Sabi ko sa kanila hatiin nila yung distribution ng points na dapat kay Grethcel.” 

(In our first couple of games we weren’t used to not having Grethcel. She contributes plenty of points for us and then suddenly that’s gone. I told the team to split the distribution of points that should be for Grethcel. 

Guest player Hezzymei Acuña had 13 points to lead the Lady Engineers even as she struggled with accuracy on her attacks.

Alyssa Layug and Lara Pasion added 9 and 8 points, respectively, and were key in forcing a fourth set against the Lady Stags. 

TIP dropped to 1-2 in Group B tied with San Sebastian. — Rappler.com