San Sebastian Stuns JRU, Secures Crucial Quarterfinal Spot
San Sebastian College-Recoletos tightened its grip on a coveted quarterfinals spot in the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday, overpowering Jose Rizal University in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-15, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila. Riding the firepower of Kyle Villamor and Joshua Espenida, the Stags climbed back to .500 in Group A with a 5-5 record, extending their winning streak to two matches at a critical point in the season.
For JRU, the loss marked its eighth consecutive defeat, dropping the Heavy Bombers to 1-9 and further dimming hopes of a late-season turnaround.
Villamor, Espenida Anchor Commanding Performance
San Sebastian leaned on its veteran core to dictate the pace from the outset. Villamor delivered 19 points and eight digs, imposing his presence on both ends of the floor. Espenida complemented him with 15 points, repeatedly breaking through JRU’s defensive wall with precision attacks from the opposite side.
The Stags showed composure in the opening set, methodically building a cushion. With San Sebastian clinging to momentum, Espenida’s cross-court hit pushed them ahead, 23-18. Moments later, Espenida teamed up with Rhenmart Alba to block Jeffrince Macalacad at the net, sealing the first set, 25-21.
From there, the match tilted firmly in San Sebastian’s favor.
Momentum Carries Through the Middle Frames
The second set underscored San Sebastian’s depth and discipline. The Stags capitalized on unforced errors and tightened their floor coverage, racing to a comfortable 25-16 win. Their serve-receive game stabilized, allowing setters to diversify the attack and keep JRU guessing.
By the third set, the outcome appeared inevitable. Villamor punctuated an early surge with a decisive hit from the left flank that stretched the lead to 14-4. The Stags maintained their intensity, refusing to yield ground despite a wide margin.
The final point came in fitting fashion: Jan Mark Arano won a tense joust at the net against Al-Jecradin Unding, hammering down the game-winning strike to complete the sweep, 25-15.
Contrasting Fortunes in Group A
The victory carried added weight for San Sebastian, which entered the match fresh off an upset of defending champion Arellano University. That breakthrough win injected belief into the squad. Tuesday’s result reinforced it.
At 5-5 in Group A, the Stags have revived their quarterfinal aspirations, positioning themselves squarely in the middle of a tightly contested bracket. With limited matches remaining in the elimination round, each win now functions as both shield and sword — protecting their standing while cutting into rivals’ chances.
JRU, meanwhile, continues to search for answers. Despite Mathew Mallillin’s 12 points, along with contributions from Jake Fernandez (7) and Paolo Barrientos (6), the Heavy Bombers could not sustain offensive rhythm or contain San Sebastian’s multi-pronged attack.
A Boost for the Faithful
While the implications remain confined to the NCAA landscape, the result resonated with San Sebastian’s student body and alumni community across Metro Manila. In a sporting culture long dominated by basketball, volleyball has steadily carved out its own passionate following. Performances like Tuesday’s offer a rallying point — a reminder of how swiftly momentum can shift over the course of a season.
For San Sebastian, the formula was clear: steady leadership, balanced scoring, and unwavering focus. For JRU, the road only steepens from here.
As the elimination round enters its decisive stretch, the Stags have given themselves something invaluable — not just another win, but renewed belief that their season still holds promise.
