SAN Sebastian College seeks to accomplish what it failed to do last year as it shoots for the title against a dangerous Arellano University at the start of their best-of-three duel for the women’s title in the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
The Lady Stags swept all their nine games in the elimination round to barge straight to the finals, where they will enjoy a thrice-to-beat advantage against the Lady Chiefs, who made it through by dethroning the St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 19-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-13, 15-9, Friday.
It was the second straight time San Sebastian advanced straight to the finals via sweep, but unlike last season when they blew its advantage by losing to eventual winner St. Benilde, it would want to finish the job this time.
“We waited the whole year to get another chance of winning a championship and we will do our best not to let this one pass again,” said San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb in Filipino.
Grethcel Soltones, who is tipped to claim her third straight MVP award, will be in the forefront of the Lady Stags’ campaign in what could be perhaps her final season.
“We will give it all to win this year,” she said.
Arellano University, meanwhile, has returned to the finals for the first time since winning the crown two seasons ago and like Gorayeb, Arellano University mentor Obet Javier seeks an opportunity to win it again.
“We have another chance and we’re all eager to take advantage of it,” said Javier, who came one win close to barging into the title game seasons ago.
In men’s action, St. Benilde goes for the jugular, while defending champion Perpetual Help aims to force a deciding Game 3 as the two collide at 1:30 p.m.
Johnvic de Guzman is expected to carry the load anew for the Blazers after unloading 19 hits including 18 on kills in a 25-17, 26-24, 25-17 win over the Altas in the series opener Friday.
“I’m more focused now,” said De Guzman, the league’s back-to-back MVP who sidelines as an actor with a cameo role in a movie titled “Seklusyon” late last year.
In junior’s play, Lyceum of the Philippines University seeks to win the first of the two wins needed it clinch the title as it squares off with Perpetual Help, the reigning title-holder at 10 a.m.
The Junior Pirates swept their way to the finals to gain the thrice-to-beat edge while the Junior Altas had to beat the Emilio Aguinaldo Brigadiers twice including a 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16 triumph Friday to advance.
Games today
(Filoil Flying V Center)
10 a.m.- LPU vs UPHSD
(Jrs Finals Game 1)
1:30 p.m.- CSB vs UPHSD
(Men’s Finals Game 2)
3:30 p.m.- SSCR vs AU
(Women’s Finals Game 1)