ST. BENILDE sustained its incredible rise as the No. 4 Lady Blazers shocked last year’s champion Arellano in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to advance to the title round of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Jeanette Panaga—who also played a key role in the Lady Blazers’ upset of No. 3 Perpetual Help last Tuesday—shone anew with 21 points built on nine kills, six blocks and half of the team’s 12 aces.
“The turning point was our Perpetual win, that’s why our game leveled up,” said coach Macky Cariño after his Lady Blazers brought down the second-seeded Lady Chiefs, three days after ousting the Lady Altas.
The Lady Blazers hope to keep their improbable run going against San Sebastian, which jumped straight to the Finals after sweeping the eliminations.
In men’s action, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help arranged a title showdown after disposing of separate opponents in gruelling five-set wins.
The Generals turned back San Beda, 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25, 15-9, to keep their title defense bid alive.