St. Benilde Lady Blazers. –NCAA/GMA PHOTO
College of St. Benilde dusted off a first set challenge of Arellano on Wednesday to carve out an easy 25-21, 25-11, 25-10 win and move within another victory of a perfect season in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Despite being out of action for close to two weeks, the Lady Blazers proved too much to handle for the defending champion Lady Chiefs, with the championship series opener lasting only 68 minutes.
Cess Bello’s kill gave Arellano a 12-11 lead and the Lady Blazers were never headed the rest of the way.
Gayle Pascual came through with 17 points, including three blocks, that put Benilde in a position to sweep the whole thing at 2 p.m. on Friday at San Juan Arena.
“We will still treat it as a 0-0 series,” Pascual said in Filipino. “The season is still not over. We still have a game to win.”
Michelle Gamit had two blocks for an 11-point outing, Mycah Go added eight points, 12 digs and four receptions, while Jade Gentapa also collected 12 digs to go with seven points for Benilde.
Second setter Chenae Basarte fired three of her team’s six service aces.
The Lady Blazers gun for their first championship since 2016.
Carla Donato led the Lady Chiefs with nine points, including two blocks, while Trina Abay hammered seven kills.