The San Sebastian Lady Stags and EAC Lady Generals are moving on to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after winning in the Play-In on Friday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
San Sebastian Diffuses JRU
The San Sebastian Lady Stags overcame the JRU Lady Bombers, 25-23, 12-25, 25-17, 25-22, to seal their spot in the quarters.
Both teams traded haymakers in the opening frame, with Czarina Ramos and Nicole Grace Deala serving as the focal points of JRU’s offense and Juna May Gonzales leading the way for San Sebastian.
In the second set, Julia Dimatawaran and Khreiszantha Gayle Batara staked JRU to an early lead. Then, with Kyla Navarra orchestrating the team’s scoring, the Lady Bombers successfully took the second frame.
Both the third and fourth sets were close. Jercine Mae Balajadia sparked the Lady Stags in crucial moments with her timely sets. Katherine Santos and Christina Marasigan, meanwhile, were on point with their powerful spikes to deliver the finishing touches for the Lady Stags.
Gonzales earned Best Player of the Match honors after finishing with 23 points built on 22 attacks to go along with 12 digs and an ace. Marasigan and Santos followed with 15 points apiece.
Meanwhile, Ramos led JRU with 22 points on 22 attacks. Deala added 16, and Batara chipped in 10 points and 2 blocks.
With the win, San Sebastian will next face the top-seeded Letran Lady Knights in the quarterfinals.
EAC Snaps Losing Streak with Win vs. LPU
The EAC Lady Generals finally snapped their 13-game losing streak after beating the Lyceum Lady Pirates, 25-23, 25-16, 26-24.
The Lady Generals drew first blood in a closely fought opening set before asserting control in the second frame. Lyceum mounted a strong challenge in the third set in an attempt to extend the match, but EAC stayed composed in the closing moments to seal the straight-sets triumph.
EAC displayed improved intensity and composure in the win-or-go-home matchup, and their dedication and perseverance allowed them to extend their stint this Season 101 after a winless elimination round campaign.
Alex Razonable spearheaded EAC’s effort with 13 points built on 11 attacks, while also contributing 7 excellent digs and 7 excellent receptions.
For the side of LPU, only Ashley Muchillas finished in double figures with 10 points built on 10 attacks. Hiromi Osada had 9 points and a block.
The Lady Generals’ lone win so far will send them to the quarterfinals, where they will take on the Perpetual Help Lady Altas.
