MANILA — Defending champion College of Saint Benilde proved steadier on the clutch en route to overcoming a tough Mapua side via a five-set 25-22, 25-16, 24-26, 22-25, and 15-12 decision on Tuesday in the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The hard-earned win allowed the Lady Blazers to move closer to securing a Final Four (semifinals) berth in the country’s oldest collegiate sports league.
Gayle Pascual spearheaded CSB’s attack as she stacked up 24 crucial points aside from chalking up 12 digs.
Amible Jade Gentapa also rose to the occasion by scoring 23 points, including the match-clinching kill that preserved the Lady Blazers’ unblemished win-loss record at 6-0.
Actually, the Lady Cardinals had it so good, winning their last three five-setter matches but could not get the job done in the face of a more determined opposition that was simply pinning for their sixth straight win.
Earlier in the day, Lyceum of the Philippines University stormed back from behind and never looked back on the way to smashing the gallant stand of Emilio Aguinaldo College to eke out a 23-25, 25-18, 25-23 decision and tie Mapua at 4-2.
Tere Manalo paced the Lady Cardinals with 20 points, including two service aces, and 12 digs, Nicole Ong had three blocks and three aces for a 16-point effort while rookie Roxie dela Cruz also had 16 points, including two service aces.
Joan Doguna fired six service aces to finish with 18 points and collected 15 digs while Jaja Tulang had six blocks for a 16-point outing for the Lady Pirates.
Trailing 22-23, three straight aces by Doguna sealed the win for LPU.
In men’s action, Joshua Ramilo had 11 points as the Generals made quick work of the Pirates, 25-10, 25-8, 25-18, for their fifth straight win after a season-opening loss.
Jennifer Omipas had 16 points and seven receptions while Cathrine Almazan also scored 16 points, including two blocks, and 15 digs for EAC.
The Lady Generals, who stole the first set after gaining a successful challenge on a Lady Pirates’ net touch violation, suffered their fourth loss in five matches.
(Amado Inigo/MTVN)
