Fiery comeback shuttles St. Benilde to share of lead

College of St. Benilde rode on a rousing rally to repulse Lyceum, 22-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13, 15-10, Thursday to claim a share of the lead in the 93rd women’s NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Blazers came out of a two-set hole before turning back the Lady Pirates for their second straight victory.

“The girls just didn’t give up,” said CSB coach Arnold Laniog.

San Beda collared both St. Benilde and defending champion Arellano at the helm with a 28-26, 25-18, 29-26 win over Perpetual Help in the other game.

The Lady Altas turned to Maria Nezia Viray, who did most of the damage with 20 points.

Klarisa Abriam and Rachel Anne Austero fired 18 and 16 points, respectively, while making crucial plays in the last three sets when St. Benilde, which routed Letran last week, 25-22, 25-11, 25-20, completed its dramatic comeback.

It was a career effort for Abriam after she finished with eight in their team’s first win, while Austero duplicated her opening-day effort.

Marites Pablo, younger sister of Premier Volleyball League MVP Myla, and Ranya Musa scattered 12 and 11 hits to help the cause.