With the opening of the #NCAASeason98 indoor volleyball tournament, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers dominantly announced their return with first-game wins against host school, San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags and Lady Stags, on Feb. 18, at the San Andres Sports Complex.
For the first time in three years, the volleyball teams are in complete attendance as both men’s and women’s volleyball teams from 10 participating schools enlivened the opening ceremony of the #NCAASeason98 indoor volleyball tournament.
Hosted by Martin Javier, the festivities included recognition of VIPs from NCAA and GMA, delivering the Oath of Sportsmanship as led by Lady Blazers’ team captain Cloanne Mondoñedo, an entertaining performance from Kapuso Girl Group, ‘XOXO,’ an inspiring speech from Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and the ceremonial serves courtesy of the NCAA Management Committee (ManCom).
The Benilde Blazers kicked off the first game of the season with a sweep against the SSC-R Golden Stags, 3-0. The Taft team started the first two sets with an early advantage against the Golden Stags by capitalizing on their effective plays and improved defense. As the Golden Stags reached the 14th marker during both sets, the men in green and white sped up their way to match point as miscommunication and poor reception troubled the primer team. The Blazers claimed the first set with an ace from outside hitter Roniey Adviento, 25-17, and a service error from the opponent during the second set, 25-20.
Despite entering the third set with stronger attacks from the opponent, the Blazers’ defensive system stayed unshaken, thanks to libero Bryan Dumaran who dished out 26 excellent digs in the game. Efforts from setter Jericho Fajardo allowed Blazers to take turns in dropping powerful hits and close the game with four players chipping in seven points, 25-18.
Georgie Gauani and Adviento ushered the Blazers with nine points each, while four others, John Tero, Ryan Daculan, James Laguit, and Leonard Jaboli, finished with seven markers apiece.
Later that day, the Lady Blazers, with a 3-1 victory, welcomed their first game with agitation and pressure early into the game. Compared to the SSC-R Lady Stags, who graced the court with confidence in the first set, the stiff Lady Blazers couldn’t find a way to smash through the blockers of SSC-R despite excellent plays from Michelle Gamit. The Lady Blazers had to surrender the first set to the Lady Stags with five points behind, 25-20.
After a rebuke from Lady Blazers’ head coach Jerry Yee, mental toughness surfaced on the green side as the Taft squad recovered an upsetting set and stunned the Lady Stags with back-row attacks from Season 97 finals MVP Gayle Pascual in the second set, 25-22. The third frame saw the Lady Stags collapse while the Lady Blazers gradually unfurled their championship form with the help of team captain Mondoñedo who contributed eight points while steering her teammates to a stronger offense.
Pascual imposed early-season dominance with 26 points, including three blocks and nine digs. Gamit finished with 12 points, including three blocks, while Mondoñedo powered the team’s offense with 20 excellent sets.
Catch the Benilde volleyball teams’ upcoming game against Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) on Wednesday, Feb. 22, with a live telecast on GTV, GMA Sports, and NCAA Philippines.
