MANILA, Philippines — St. Benilde nearly paid for taking its provincial opponent lightly in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Regaining their bearings in the fifth frame, the Lady Blazers carved out a tough triumph, 25-23, 25-23, 15-25, 23-25, 15-9, over Cebu’s Southwestern University at the start of their Group A campaign.
Maureen Lauren and Iumi Yongco carried the fight in the deciding set as the Lady Blazers, third placers in the last NCAA volleyball tournament, dodged the upset.
Therese Veronas led the Lady Blazers with 24 points, including four service aces, while Jeanette Panaga added 20 markers.
In Group B, San Sebastian kept three-time NCAA champion Perpetual Help winless, 25-18, 17-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-13, in another thrilling five-setter.
Czarina Berbano unloaded 19 points built on 17 spikes and a couple of service aces to power the Lady Stags, who pulled off the win after the Lady Altas survived match point twice.
Jolina Labiano had five service aces in a 16-point outing and Ryzabelle Devanadera added 15 as the Lady Stags rose to 1-1 while dealing the Lady Altas their second straight loss.
After taking the first two sets, the Lady Blazers surprisingly got blasted in the third frame, 15-25, as the Lady Cobras tightened their net defense while leaning on Janelle Cabahug’s scoring firepower.