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San Sebastian bounces back in stunner, hands Arellano first loss in NCAA Season 97 | NCAA Philippines
San Sebastian College-Recoletos got back to its winning ways after pulling off a 26-24, 26-24, 25-20 stunner over three-time defending champion Arellano University in the NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.
The win allowed San Sebastian to recover from a previous loss for a 2-1 card to tie Arellano, which was successful in its first two assignments.
The Lady Stags came into the game more prepared, quickly building a lead as high as 16-11 with Reyann Cañete leading their attack. Arellano was able to roar back, igniting for a 5-0 run to tie things up after a rotation error by San Sebastian.
Rookie Kath Santos then tied the first set at 24-apiece before Arellano skipper Carla Donato struggled to complete a quick attack for San Sebastian’s set point. Cañete then went for a swipe off the hands of Donato for the first set win.
San Sebastian flaunted more confidence in the second frame with Tina Marasigan going to the open for the set point, 24-22, before Arellano’s Alyana San Gregorio brought her team to 24-all after avoiding the wall of KJ Dionisio and Cañete.
A service error from Charmina Diño gave the Lady Stags another set point as an ace from Cañete capped the first set, 26-24.
Eager to claw their way back from a 0-2 set deficit, Arellano erased a 1-6 disadvantage as setter Kristine Adante tied the game at 9-all after her one-two punch.
From the opposite side, Santos went for an attack that handed San Sebastian the match point, 24-19, before Marasigan went over two blockers to seal the deal, 25-20.
Cañete poured in an all-around 24 points off 19 attacks, two blocks, and three aces to go along with 11 digs and seven excellent receptions while Marasigan and Santos chipped in 15 and 11 markers. respectively.
Donato was the lone bright spot for the four-peat seeking Arellano after the middle blocker had 10 points in the loss.
San Sebastian will try to book their third win against Jose Rizal University on Wednesday while Arellano will look to revive its winning run on Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday.
