SAN Sebastian aims for a share of the lead with defending champion St. Benilde when it tackles Letran on Friday in the women's division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
Riding on the shoulders of reigning back-to-back MVP Grethcel Soltones, the Lady Stags edged the Arellano U Lady Chiefs with a come-from-behind 23-25, 26-28, 25-19, 25-18, 15-12 win in the opener on November 14 then routed the Mapua Lady Cardinals, 25-13, 25-17, 25-13, last Monday.
During those twin victories, the power-spiking Soltones has averaged 16 hits while helping her team on defense with 12 digs a game and should be the player to watch when the Lady Stags take on the Lady Knights at 11:30 a.m.
On the other hand, Letran is still in search of a first triumph after absorbing heartbreaking five-set defeats to the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 22-25, 10-15, and the favored Lady Blazers, where they blew a two-set lead, 27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 7-25, 12-15.
San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb, who returns after missing his team's first couple of games due to a trip abroad, warned his wards not to take the winless Letran team lightly.
"In this league, we can't underestimate any opponent and its the reason I kept telling the players to stay focused," said Gorayeb.
Meanwhile, Jose Rizal (1-1) and Emilio Aguinaldo (0-2) collide in the only other women's match at 1 p.m.
In men's action, San Sebastian (0-2) tangles with Letran (1-1) at 10 a.m. while Emilio Aguinaldo (0-2) faces off with Jose Rizal (0-2) at 2:30 p.m.
San Sebastian (0-2) squares off with Letran (1-1) at 8:30 a.m. in the lone juniors schedule of the day.
Games on Friday
(Filoil Flying V Center)
8:30 a.m.- San Sebastian vs Letran (jrs)
10 a.m.- San Sebastian vs Letran (m)
11:30 a.m.- San Sebastian vs Letran (w)
1 p.m.- EAC vs Jose Rizal (w)
2:30 p.m.- EAC vs Jose Rizal (m)
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