SSC sweeps UST, collars Shakey's V-League title

San Sebastian College finally ended a long chase for the Shakey’s V-League volley championship, overcoming a first-set setback then outsteadying University of Santo Tomas in a gripping fourth set duel, 16-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, to capture the second conference crown via sweep before a big crowd at The Arena in San Juan last night.

The Lady Stags took five of the last six points, shattering the last deadlock at 20 to take the fourth set, the match and the championship that has eluded the four-time NCAA winners the last five years.

Guest player Suzanne Roces banged away 19 kills, came up with two blocks and a service ace that ended the one-hour, 36-minute duel. She finished with a topscoring 22-point output to power the Lady Stags to the victory over the very same team she led to three championships in the league sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

For her impressive performance, the former UE standout, who also scored 13 hits in SSC’s 25-21, 25-19, 26-24 victory in the series’ opener last Friday, was named the finals MVP.

“I’m speechless,” said the 23-year-old Roces before a crowd of 3,300. “This is my first time to win an MVP. I’m so happy and I share the award with coach Roger (Gorayeb) and my teammates for their trust.”

Earlier, La Salle flashed its old fighting form and subdued Adamson, 19-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-20, to clinch third place honors on its return from a one-conference leave.

Analyn Joy Benito also dished out a superb game of 21 points, all on attacks, including two straight that helped anchor the Lady Stags’ fourth set win.

“I’m very happy. At least in my fourth try, I finally win it,” said Gorayeb, winner of 20 titles in the NCAA.

Venus Bernal rattled off 20 hits while Mary Jean Balse added 13 points for the Tigresses, who settled for their third runner-up finish in the league organized by Sports Vision.

Aiza Maizo’s kills gave UST its last taste of the lead at 21-20 as Roces tied it with her own attack and UST’s Judy Ann Caballero misfired for a 22-21 SSC advantage.

Benito then unloaded back-to-back kills before Roces delivered the championship point off a serve.

Jacqueline Alarca fired 18 points, including 12 attacks while Stephanie Mercado, Manilla Santos and Charleen Cruz backed her up with 14 hits apiece as La Salle battled back from a set down to sweep the next three.