NCAA Finals: St. Benilde halts San Sebastian’s perfect run

St. Benilde celebrates/ Contributed Photo

There won’t be any perfect season.

St. Benilde shocked San Sebastian in a hard-fought four sets, 24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 25-13, to take Game 1 of the NCAA Season 91 women’s volleyball Finals Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

It was the Lady Stags’ first defeat this season, and now makes the championship duel a virtual best-of-three series.

Jeanette Panaga showed the way for the Lady Blazers, wreaking havoc on the defensive end with eight blocks, and adding six service aces to lead her crew with 23 points.

Janine Navarro provided the spark on the offensive end, hammering 19 points, 16 of which coming from kills, while Ranya Musa added 10.

“Gusto ng mga bata manalo. Nakita takaga sa galaw nila,” said St. Benilde coach Macky Cariño.

Grethcel Soltones captained a valiant effort for San Sebastian, lighting up the scoreboard with 27 points, 26 of which coming from kills.

However, the Lady Stags’ support were obviously absent, with reserve Denice Lim adding six points for coach Roger Gorayeb’s crew.

Game 2 is on Friday at the same venue.