Lady Blazers seek 1st NCAA title vs Lady Stags

NCAA Photo by Tristan

COLLEGE of St. Benilde tries to complete its stunning rise when it goes for a first NCAA womenÕs volleyball title against San Sebastian College at 4 p.m. Tuesday even as Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help square off at 2 p.m. in a winner-take-all battle for the menÕs crown at Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Blazers put themselves in prime position to take the crown last Friday with a four-set victory over the Lady Stags, whose play has dipped in the finals after pulling off a sweep of the elimination round.

More than the victory in the first two games of the series, the Lady Blazers grabbed a huge psychological edge as they figured out a way to neutralize the Lady StagsÕ attack which had proved relentless in the early part of the tourney.

ÒThis is our chance to win a championship so we might as well go for it,Ó said St. Benilde mentor Michael Carino.

San Sebastian holds a thrice-to-beat edge, which means it can forge a winner-take-all duel on Friday with a victory.

But coach Roger Gorayeb said the Lady Stags have their work cut out for them if they want to extend the series.

Apart from MVP Gretchel Soltones, who had 27 points in Game 2, Gorayeb has struggled to get the best from his other players.

ÒWe need to play as a team,Ó said Gorayeb.

The Altas fought back from a set down to dump the Generals, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19, in Game 2.

Rey Taneo Jr. stood tall for the Altas with 16 hits, including 13 on kills in Game 2 for the Altas.