CSB stuns Arellano, helps UST advance to semis

College of St. Benilde foiled Arellano University’s bid to make the semifinals with a 23-25, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23, 15-10, squeaker to end its campaign in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference Sunday at San Juan Arena.

Jannine Navarro fired a screamer down the right flank of the Arellano defense to seal the victory.

Already out of the semifinals hunt, CSB played spoiler to Arellano but the Lady Blazers were just what University of Santo Tomas, which advanced into the semis following the Lady Chiefs’ stunning setback.

Lady Blazers head coach Michael Cariño attributed his team’s early struggles to his players’ health with key players Navarro and Jeanette Panaga nursing injuries.

“Early in the tournament, we weren’t the healthiest of teams with Jean playing with a hurt knee and Jannine with a hurt shoulder,” Cariño said.

Navarro brushed off her injury to pour in 31 points, 26 off spikes, while Panaga made her presence felt with 10 points.

Menchie Tubiera led the 3-4 Lady Blazers with 24 points while Cristine Rosario and Danna Henson added 13 points apiece.