Lady Blazers seal return to NCAA volleyball final four

MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde completed its return to the Final Four after four after seasons with an easy 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 triumph over Letran Thursday at the NCAA season 89 women’s volleyball tournament.

Save for a second set scare where the Lady Knights led by four points, the Lady Blazers were in control of the 58-minute match to finish their elimination round campaign with a 7-2 card.

St. Benilde’s win also gave idle San Sebastian College (6-2) a free ride to the single-round semifinals and eliminate San Beda (6-3) in the process.

The Lady Blazers’ last semis appearance was in 2010, where they went all the way to the Finals, only to lose to the Lady Stags in three games.

“Our players persevered. They double their effort in training and everyone contributed and cooperated,” said Lady Blazers’ coach Macky Carino.

Jeanette Panaga led the Lady Blazers with 15 points, including two service aces, while Therese Veronas added 13 hits.