Benilde dominates Lyceum, closes in on second straight NCAA title

CSB Lady Blazers. NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—College of St. Benilde cruised past Lyceum, 25-17, 25-19, 25-19, to move on the verge of a second straight title in the NCAA Season 98 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

The Lady Blazers continued to lord over the competition, extending their winning streak to 28 games thanks to the fine performance of Gayle Pascual.

Pascual spearheaded St. Benilde’s stellar showing with 15 points.

“Gayle is who we’re expecting to be consistent. Whoever goes off, someone steps up and Gayle is the one who’s always scoring. It’s a good thing that we have Gayle,” coach Jerry Yee said in Filipino.

Pascual was quick to acknowledge her winning performance but said it was due in large part to Yee’s trust in her.

“[I’m] happy because that’s how much coach trusts me and the team as a whole. He always says that when someone’s missing, someone can be replaced. I trust in his system a lot,” the Season 97 Finals MVP said.

The Lady Pirates opened the second set with an 8-4 lead but only for the Lady Blazers to string up a 14-4 surge that took the fight out of Lyceum

CSB kept its foot on the gas in the deciding set where it zoomed to a commanding 19-9 advantage.

A crosscourt kill by Weilyn Estoque put the exclamation point on Benilde’s masterful win.

Jade Gentapa added nine markers for the Lady Blazers while Cloanne Mondoñedo finished with 12 excellent sets and three points.

Not a single player from Lyceum hit double digits with Joan Doguna pacing the Lady Pirates with nine points.

Benilde goes for a sweep in Game 2 on Friday.