St. Benilde advances in NCAA stepladder semis

Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

St. Benilde advanced to the next phase of the NCAA Season 91 women’s volleyball stepladder semis, trumping Perpetual in four sets, 16-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-21, Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

Capitalizing on coach Macky Carino’s familiarity with his mentor coach Sammy Acaylar, the Lady Blazers denied the Lady Altas any chance of making it to the Finals for the second straight year.

Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa both had 15 points each to pace St. Benilde in the win, while Jeanette Panaga added 11 points, six of which coming from blocks.

The Lady Blazers now brace for a faceoff against defending champs Arellano on Friday, with the winner earning the right to match up against San Sebastian, which owns a thrice-to-beat advantage in the finals after sweeping the eliminations phase.

Jamela Suyat captained Perpetual with 15 points, all from kills, while Coleen Bravo got 11 points in the season-ending defeat.