Blazers dominate Altas in NCAA Finals opener

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

College of St. Benilde made quick work of defending champion University of Perpetual Help, 25-17, 26-24, 25-17, to take a 1-0 lead in the championship round of the NCAA Season 92 men’s volleyball tournament Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Johnvic De Guzman anchored the Altas’ defense en route to 19 points, 16 off spikes, while Isaah Arda added 13 points for the Blazers, who are now a win away from the title.

Blazers head coach Arnold Laniog said his team has two strengths that can ultimately lead them to the title, their mental edge over the Altas and their superior defense.

“I saw a different from my team yesterday during practice, everything was so smooth and I think it’s that mental edge they have against the Altas that was displayed today,” said Laniog.

“And our strength is really our blocking and floor defense.”

CSB is the number one team in terms of blocking and digging with the Blazers averaging 2.68 blocks per set and 9.71 digs per set in the nine games of the elimination round.

Manuel Doliente had 10 points to lead the Altas.