SSC, CSB renew NCAA rivalry in V-League

Fresh from extending its dynasty in NCAA women’s volleyball, San Sebastian clashes with its finals victims on Friday when action resumes in the second conference of the Shakey’s V-League Season 6 at The Arena in San Juan City. San Sebastian will once again battle College of St. Benilde – exactly five days after the Lady Stags’ 25-23, 26-24, 25-15 demolition of the Lady Blazers to win their fifth straight NCAA volleyball crown – in the 4 p.m. main game after the 2 p.m. encounter between UAAP teams Far Eastern University and Ateneo-OraCare.

Coach Roger Gorayeb’s SSC 6 is also aiming to extend its domination against the Thelma Barina Rojas-mentored Lady Blazers. Reigning NCAA most valuable player Joy Benito along with teammate Margarita Pepito (best receiver and best digger) and guest player Jinni Mondejar are expected to lead the Lady Stags’ offense against the Taft-based squad. Benito and Pepito, San Sebastian’s 1-2 scoring punch, combined for 42 points in their 24-26, 25-22, 28-26, 25-12 debut win over University of the Philippines Tuesday. “Medyo magaan pa yung mga unang laro namin, pero magandang preparasyon ito pagdating dun sa mabibigat na mga laro like Adamson, FEU and of course UST," said Gorayeb. St. Benilde, on the other hand, hopes to end San Sebastian’s domination on them and bounce back from a first game loss to Adamson also last Tuesday. In the first game, FEU aims for a second straight win when it faces Ateneo-OraCare, a 25-23, 25-27, 19-25, 25-20 loss to UST on Tuesday. After dropping a 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19 setback to league-leader and first quarterfinalist University of Santo Tomas last week, the Lady Tamaraws bounced back with a 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19 triumph. But they are just one win ahead of the Lady Eagles who will be coming off from a 25-23, 25-27, 19-25, 25-20 loss to UST. – GMANews.TV