GRETHCEL Soltones came through with an MVP performance as she powered San Sebastian to a 25-22, 25-13, 25-13 victory over Perpetual Help and straight to the Final Four in the women’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.
Soltones, on course to claim her third straight MVP award, fired a game-high 19 points she laced with 18 spikes as the Lady Stags nailed their seventh win in row to book the first Final Four slot.
San Sebastian also moved closer to sweeping its way to the finals if it could hurdle Lyceum of the Philippines University on Jan. 23 and reigning titlist St. Benilde on Jan. 25 in a rematch of last year’s finals.
If it happens, the Lady Stags will be enjoying a thrice-to-beat edge while turning the Final Four into a stepladder semis.
“That’s our goal, to be No. 1,” said Gorayeb in Filipino.
The Lady Altas fell to their third loss against the same number of triumphs and one game away from elimination.
Earlier, Arellano University stunned defending champion St. Benilde, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, to grab solo No. 2 with a 6-1 (win-loss) record.
Skipper Rialen Sante led her team with 15 points, while Jovielyn Prado and Ma. Erica Calixto chipped in 13 and 10 hits, respectively, to help carry the Lady Chiefs to their sixth win in row after dropping its opening game against San Sebastian in five sets.
The Lady Blazers dropped their second game against six wins.
In men’s action, St. Benilde edged Arellano University, 23-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-20, to seize the solo lead and clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.
The Chiefs slid to 5-2.
Games tomorrow
8:30 a.m.- EAC vs MIT (jrs)
10 a.m.- EAC vs MIT (m)
11:30 a.m.- LPU vs UPHSD (w)
1 p.m.- LPU vs UPHSD (m)
2:30 p.m.- LPU vs UPHSD (jrs)