Shakey's V-League: Gorayeb, San Sebastian couldn't be denied crown

MANILA, Philippines - After five seasons, San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb finally completed his impressive trophy collection with the Shakey's V–League volleyball tournament crown. It was worth the wait for one of the country's most decorated volleyball coaches, as he guided the Lady Stags to an impressive four-set win over the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses. "I couldn't ask for more. I think I've already won every (volley) crown," said an ecstatic Gorayeb, moments after steering the Lady Stags to a 16-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21 victory over the UST Tigresses to complete a two-game sweep of the series at The Arena in San Juan last Sunday. Gorayeb, who has around 20 National Collegiate Athletic Association championships plus numerous intercollegiate and University Games titles, was all praises for his team. "The girls deserved this victory. They trained and worked hard to achieve the feat." "It was all teamwork and dedication from the training all the way to the games," added Gorayeb, whose wards swept the La Salle Lady Archers in the Final Four to schedule a championship date with powerhouse UST. But the road to the championship was anything but easy as the Recoletos-based squad missed the services of guest player Suzanne Roces early in the elimination round due to her commitment to the national team that participated in the Asian Beach Games. Added to this challenge was the difficulty of alumna Jinni Mondejar in regaining her old form following an injury. However, the Lady Stags couldn't be denied. After surviving the topsy–turvy single-round eliminations, the team found its form in the final four with Roces back in harness. Peaking at the right time, the Lady Stags galloped straight to the championship with an upset win over the Tigresses. Roces dished out consistent games from the semis to the finals and went on to bag the finals MVP trophy. Lou Ann Latigay stood at the forefront of SSC's season-long campaign to collar the MVP plum in the conference organized by Sports Vision. Backing up the duo are Rysabelle Devanadera, vastly-improved Joy Benito, setter Charisse Ancheta, libero MJ Pepito, Mondejar, Elaine Cruz, Melissa Mirasol, Angela Jalbuna and Jennelyn Belen. With Latigay, Devanadera and Ancheta playing their last season next year, the Lady Stags are already focusing on preparations for next season. "Of course, we're going for back-to-back," declared Gorayeb, whose Lady Stags could hardly wait for next Shakey's V-League season in April. - GMANews.TV