The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers crushed the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Lady Pirates, 25-21, 25-8, 25-13, to record their second victory in the #NCAASeason97 on Wednesday, June 15, at Paco Arena.
While both teams opened the game with sharp attacks and strong floor defense, the Lady Blazers could not seem to find their rhythm and caught themselves rattled over the first few points of the Lady Pirates. Benilde and LPU were keeping each other from pulling away until team captain Mycah Go ushered the Lady Blazers to a 21-19 cushion combined with a successful combination play from sophomore Gayle Pascual to close the set, 25-21.
Oblivious to the brutal loss that was about to come, the Lady Pirates started to submit from the unstoppable Lady Blazers. A 4-10 lead during the second set seemed to get the best of the women in red, but for the Lady Blazers, it was an opportunity to hammer out a 13-0 run.
With consistency in receptions and control in errors, Corrine Apostol was able to stretch the Blazers’ double-digit lead to a 25-8 blowout set score after a set-point service ace and quick play to end the second frame.
The adjustments in rotation enabled the Lady Blazers to strengthen their blocks and floor defense. Good communication also fueled the Blazers to perform effective combination plays to turn down LPU’s shot at redeeming themselves during the first eight minutes of the third set, 4-10. The Lady Blazers never looked back from that point onwards as they concluded the set with 25-13.
Cloanne Mondoñedo was hailed as the best player of the match after serving as the green and white squad’s key to building effective plays with three points, three attacks, and 15 excellent digs.
The Lady Blazers will be facing the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Lady Knights on Sunday, June 19, at 12 p.m., with a live telecast on GTV, GMA Sports, and NCAA Philippines.
Box Scores:
DLS-CSB (3): Gentapa 11, Go 10, Pascual 10, Gamit 7, Apostol 6, Ondangan 6, Mondoñedo 3, Dizon 2, Basarte 0, Estenzo 0, Salmon 0, Mondejar 0, Avilla 0
LPU (0): Maligmat 8, Dolorito 6, Dahab 6, Tulang 3, Puzon 2, Jacinto 1, Sta. Maria 1, Topacio 1, Toca 0, Belaro 0, Perez 0, Daya 0
Set Scores: 25-21, 25-8, 25-13
