Cover Photo By Jonn Aaron Metierre
Cover Photo By Jonn Aaron Metierre.

All eyes on the prize as Lady Blazers gear up for NCAA 97 volleyball finals


After sweeping the elimination round, the Lady Blazers are poised to take home the crown in the #NCAA97 women’s volleyball tournament.


By Rdee De La Paz, and Jade Clarito | Monday, 18 July 2022

Following the Lady Blazers' finals contention in the NCAA Season 97 Women’s Volleyball tournament, find out how the Taft squad’s love and passion for the game managed to clinch the elimination with an unprecedented sweep en route to tally another championship for De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

 

Through ups and downs

Coming back from the unfinished NCAA Season 95 where the Lady Blazers logged a 7-0 win-loss record, the well-oiled Taft squad shared that they had a short period of preparation in the bubble prior to the start of Season 97. Despite much time lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this did not stop the Lady Blazers to keep their form intact as they continued their path to redemption. 

 

Although the team had key losses, namely Klarisa Abriam, Marites Pablo, former captain Jewel Lai, and other senior players that have completed their playing years in Benilde, the team shared they didn’t have much trouble adjusting to the new squad for the current season since most of them have been playing together since Season 95. 

 

Maturity–that was the key for the remaining players from the 2019 team, who eventually stepped up and led the newly formed squad for Season 97. 

 

“We needed to mature, kasi nga nawala ‘yung seniors tapos ‘yung batch namin ‘yung papalit, ‘yung mga 119 and 118. [...] Siguro ‘yun talaga ‘yung key namin,” opposite spiker Gayle Pascual shared in an interview with The Benildean.

 

The team shared they are happy with the results of the recently concluded elimination round, particularly the newcomers. However, they refuse to let this win streak cloud their judgment, as they still anticipate a number of possibilities to happen in the finals round. 

 

Huwag namin i-expect na every game ay makukuha namin siya in three sets, kasi lumalaban din sila,” middle blocker Michelle Gamit shared.

 

With the lack of proper conditioning at home due to the pandemic, going back to in-person activities and adjusting to the intensive training in preparation for Season 97 were challenging for the Lady Blazers. Aside from physical demands, the ladies were also challenged mentally in the first weeks of entering the Benilde Sports and Dormitory Complex. 

 

“The most challenging [part] for us was the mental toughness given na naka-bubble kami, … kami-kami lang ‘yung magkakasama dito and it was the biggest adjustment,” Queenie Salmon shared. Unlike the home setup, the girls had to focus on different things such as training for the upcoming season, improving the team chemistry, academics, and other personal adjustments all at once.

 

Fueled by passion

The Lady Blazers came back to the court for Season 97 with nothing but love for the game and their unwavering determination after spending two short months in bubble training. They believe that like the other teams, they have been constantly working hard and preparing for this season to offer their best. 

 

Their hardships on and off the court have most definitely paid off after sweeping the elimination round and opening the possibility of adding another championship title in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament, which they first won in Season 91 back in 2015.

 

“‘Di pa tapos ‘yung business namin… So until hindi pa tapos ‘yung finals, ‘di pa kami contented,” team captain Mycah Go emphasized. The ladies knew that the training they had was enough to pick up where they left off after an incredible run in Season 95. Presently, however, this season presents them the golden opportunity to bring the crown back to Taft. 

 

Until the tournament is not yet over, the Lady Blazers promise to remain humble and steadfast in their pursuit to win the championship.


Catch the Lady Blazers’ first game against the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs in the best of three finals series on July 20, followed by game two on July 22, and game three (if necessary) on July 24. The games begin at 2 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Arena, San Juan.


Tickets will be available for Benildean alumni, students, and associates through Benilde’s Center for Sports Development. Visit CSD’s Facebook post here for more information.