St. Benilde Lady Spikers win their back-to-back NCAA championships. –NCAA PHOTO
For College of St. Benilde coach Jerry Yee, winning a second straight NCAA women’s volleyball championship speaks well of the Lady Blazers’ chances for the coming years.
A 25-19, 25-11, 25-20 whipping of Lyceum of the Philippines on Friday topped off an unblemished campaign, one that was carved out even without last season’s MVP Mycah Go, which extended Benilde’s eye-popping streak to 29 games dating back to 2020.
“I am excited and happy,” Yee said in Filipino. “Pulling out this championship says one thing and that is we will be OK for the coming year. Competition was tough this season and I am happy that we were still able to do it.”
Gayle Pascual, named the Best Opposite Spiker, scored 15 points built on 14 attacks for Benilde. Jade Gentapa finished with 13 kills and 11 digs to become the Finals MVP.
Benilde captain Cloanne Mondoñedo had 23 excellent sets, while Zam Nolasco logged all of her team’s three blocks.
Johna Dolorito had 11 points and nine receptions while Joan Doguna added nine points and six digs for the Lady Pirates. Two-time Best Setter Venice Puzon had 12 excellent sets.
Men go the distance
San Beda Red Spikers end Perpetual Help’s long winning streak. –NCAA PHOTO
In the men’s division, San Beda snapped Perpetual’s 32-game winning streak with a stunning 17-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-23, 15-11 victory, sending the series to a rubber match.
The Red Spikers overcame season MVP Louie Ramirez’s 32-point explosion to hand the three-peat seeking Altas their first loss since Feb. 16, 2018.
Game 3 is Sunday at San Juan Arena.
Ralph Cabalsa had 19 points and seven digs, Kenrod Umali also scored 19 points to go along with 10 receptions while setter Jerome Lopez had 33 excellent sets and fired two aces for San Beda.
Ramirez, who had team-highs of four blocks, four aces and five digs, valiantly battled cramps and tried to carry Perpetual to completing a perfect season before falling short.
The Red Spikers, whose previous Finals stint ended up in a loss to the Altas in 2012, hope to go all the way this time to bag their first-ever championship.