Lady Blazers repulse Red Spikers

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde outduelled fellow NCAA squad San Beda U, 21-25, 26-24, 25-8, 25-23, to break into the win column and boost its bid in the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 College Conference yesterday at Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The slow-starting Lady Blazers gained momentum from their close win in the second set to handily take the third with a 17-point margin then quelled the Lady Red Spikers’ furious uprising to close it out in the fourth and improve to 1-2.

“Every win is important given our situation. I think we have to win four games. With two losses (already) we can’t afford to lose again so we just fight,” said CSB’s new coach Jerry Yee, who drew double digit outputs from Marites Pablo (16), Klarisa Abriam (15) and Chelsea Ann Umali (13) and a 30-set effort from Jewel Lai in notching the victory.

University of Perpetual Help also broke through, beating San Sebastian, 25-15, 19-25, 27-25, 26-24, in the second game.

Aurora Tripolo scored 22 markers and Cindy Imbo added 12 markers with 15 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs to power the Lady Altas to their maiden victory in four games while sending the Lady Stags to their third consecutive setback.

Shannai Requierne led the way for SSC with 16 points.

The Lady Blazers, who previously dragged favored Far Eastern to five sets and contender Adamson to four before conceding, brace for tougher matches down the road as they face Santo Tomas, University of the Philipines, San Sebastian and University of Perpetual next, looking to gain traction in chase for a berth in the next round.

“It’s tough; we’re still learning, me in particular about the team, so the consistency isn’t there yet, we still have lots to work on,” said Yee.

One aspect would be closing out games as CSB blew a 22-16 upperhand in the fourth, allowing SBU to inch at 23-24 before sealing it on a Dianne Ventura kill.

“We’re not consistent and strong-willed yet when it comes to closing out,” said Yee.

Maria Nieza Viray topscored with 19 for San Beda, which missed star Chesca Racraquin for the second straight game due to sprained ankle. 

Meanwhile, reigning UAAP kingpin National U threw its weight around Arellano U, 25-12, 25-13, 25-20, to grab a share of the lead in the men’s division.

Bryan Bagunas, the UAAP Season 80 finals MVP, tallied 17 points while Angelo Almendres, Kim Malabunga and Francis Saura chipped in 10 apiece as the Bulldogs streaked to 3-0 and joined idle Santo Tomas and Adamson at the top.

In the other game, San Beda Red Spikers stunned erstwhile unbeaten University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 22-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-13, for a 1-2 slate.

Skipper Angelo Torres and Jomaru Amagan punched in 17 each.