The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazing Paddlers and Lady Blazing Paddlers emerged in their standings during the second day of the NCAA Season 99 Table Tennis Tournament as both teams went undefeated in their matches on Jan. 30 at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gymnasium in Ermita, Manila.
The Blazing Paddlers took the first duel against the San Beda University (SBU) Red Paddlers, initiated by Henze Lucero, who laced up for the first singles match. Lucero gave the Taft squad its first win in the series after taking the first singles match, 3-1. Gelo Deocareza bannered the Blazing Paddlers in the second singles match, getting the win in a tight crucial match, 3-2. Joshua Lim and Neo Laudato tagged up for the doubles match of the series. The duo showed early signs of dominance as they toppled the Red Paddlers in the doubles category, 3-1. The Benilde Blazing Paddlers won the series against SBU with a commanding 3-0 sweep.
For their last match in the elimination round, the Blazing Padders took on the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Table Tennis Team. Lucero handled the first singles match efficiently as he managed to take the 3-0 win. Deocareza also showed their expertise in the second singles match after getting a 3-0 sweep. Russ Pascuan tagged up with Laudato in the doubles match, ousting the JRU doubles team, 3-0. The Benilde Blazing Paddlers ousted JRU in a quick series, 3-0, ending up as the top team in the elimination round.
Meanwhile, the Lady Blazing Paddlers battled their last elimination game against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Table Tennis Team. Alex Reyes easily handled the first singles match with a clean 3-0 sweep. Danielle Marcelo showed her adaptability in the second singles match, taking the win in a 3-1 rally. Ricci Villa and Jules Veluz topped off the series after sweeping the Generals in the doubles match, 3-0. The Lady Blazing Paddlers knocked off EAC after winning the series in a 3-0 sweep. The ladies in green and white capped the elimination round as the third overall team in the standings.
The Benilde Blazing Paddlers are set to face the Mapua University (MU) Table Tennis Team in the semifinals, while the Benilde Lady Blazing Paddlers are going to battle it all out against the SBU Red Paddlers for a possible finals ticket.
Catch the semifinals action in the NCAA Season 99 Table Tennis Tournament on Jan. 31 at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gymnasium in Ermita, Manila.
Catch the Benilde Blazing Paddlers live on their official Facebook page.