ROOKIE Kat Santos produced clutch kills in the fifth set as San Sebastian rallied past Jose Rizal University, 24-26, 19-25, 32-30, 25-5, 15-11, to gain a piece of second place in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena yesterday.

Santos gave the Lady Stags a 14-8 advantage before the Lady Bombers saved three match points, including a kill by Dolly Verzosa.

San Sebastian won’t be denied this time, as Santos delivered the match-clinching kill – her 22nd pont of the game – to help her team level titleholder Arellano University in second place at 3-1.

College of Saint Benilde remained on top of the standings with a perfect 4-0 slate.

In a duel of winless teams, Letran topped fabled rival San Beda, 21-25, 25-20, 25-15, 23-25, 15-9, to finally break out the losing slump.

It was a sorry loss for the Lady Bombers as they squandered a 2-0 set lead and were blown out by the Lady Stags off the court in the fourth.

JRU fell in a tie with Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2-2.

Reyann Cañete added 19 points, including five service aces and two blocks, while Christina Marasigan came through with 15 points and 14 digs for San Sebastian.

Dolly Verzosa played her best game this season for the Lady Bombers with 19 points, including three service aces, 11 receptions and eight digs.

Shereena Urmeneta scored 16 points, including two service aces, while Julienne Castro added 12 points and collected 15 digs for the Lady Knights, who entered the win column after dropping three in a row.

Daisy Melendres also had 12 points, including three blocks, while Cha Cuñada was the other Letran player in twin digits with 11 points, including two service aces.

It was Melendres who put the match to bed, a kill that gave the Lady Knights a 14-8 advantage late in the fifth set.

The Lady Red Spikers, who were able to send the match to a deciding set courtesy of Max Tayag, fell to 0-4.

Tayag had 14 points and 10 digs, Patricia Mañalac had three service aces for a 12-point outing, while Trisha Paras chipped in 10 points, including two blocks, for San Beda.

Games tomorrow

(Paco Arena)
12 noon – Perpetual vs Mapua
2:30 p.m. – EAC vs CSB