Final Match. Time to Regroup

September 6, 2011- Last game of the quarterfinal round. Although we have already qualified for the semis, this match was still important for a couple reasons. One, we still are in contention for the #1 spots, thanks to Maynilad's 3-1 victory over team Army a couple of days ago. Yes, I typed it, and it is just as shocking typing it as it is saying it. Army lost to Maynilad. So with that we both have a 4-1 standing that will come down to a point system. Secondly, this match is important to regroup as a team. After we were retired last match by the Army, I think it will do us good to get back on the right track.

This day we would be with only 7 players. The rest of the SSC team had traveled to Bocalod to play in a volleyball tournament. Best wishes to them as well. So it was really important to come in and take care of business off the top. 7 players with no substitutions is like playing with fire and we couldn't afford to play extra sets. WE needed to rest so we can be ready for the potential start of the semis on Thursday.


First set went pretty well. We started off exchanging points as most matches often start. Didn't really get on a run unto mid way through. Things seem to be going okay for us. Rubie was getting her hitters nice looks, Jill's and Jen's reception were awesome. Daf was putting away some long rallied balls as well. It was not perfect, but we were playing as a team. Maynilad stayed tough the whole way though. They have excellent offense coming from their open hitter, Joy Cases. That girl can jump! We also had trouble defending their middle Beverly Boto. But we were able to come out on top.

The next set would be a different story. We had trouble from the jump. Complacent again, I guess old habits die hard. Its so important after you win the first set, to come out with that same intensity and competitiveness in the second; especially in a league where it has been proven that anyone can beat anyone on any given night. For our team, relaxing is not for us. We cant seem to control it enough without becoming too relaxed. In a league where a point system is used to tie breaks, letting teams, in this case Maynilad score in the 20's will not help our cause at the end. For sure! Trailing in the late stages of the game and then tying the game up at 20, ever point became huge. Again we back ourselves in a wall, were we have to play under pressure. No bueno. With some good saves, defense and kills by, the Lady Stags were able to hold off Maynilad in set 2 as well.

Set 3 was also pretty even, with SSC having a slight edge. The important thing being up 2-0 now was to finish, which we have had problems doing as well. But we were able to hold off their run and take the 3rd set as well. Rube De Leon was awarded player of the game, and boy has her serving helped us out a lot lately. She is now leading the leagues in aces.




With our final game in the book, the only questions would be, "will it enough?" " Did we win by enough to take over the lead?" "Who might we play next round? It was a very tangled web. 1st place was still up for grabs and apparently so was 3rd and 4th place. The match following ours would determine who makes the finals. Currently the standings are :

1. Army 4-1
1. SSC 4-1 { Im pretty sure Army has the lead simply because of sets won/lost
3. Ateneo 2-2
4. Navy 2-3
5. Airforce 1-3
6. Maynilad 1-4

The next would determine the semis for sure with Ateneo facing off against the Airforce. It Ateneo wins, then they are 3-2 and secure 3rd place. If Airforce wins, they force a 3 way tie with Ateneo and Navy. At least 1 playoff match would be played.

The plot always thickens doesn't it?

Photos are courtesy of Kristine De Guzman Ilano. Thanks for the wonderful photos.