The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) men’s and women's beach volleyball teams stood decent on the standings, after both teams managed to record an even 1-1 slate, on the first day of the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball tournament on Jan. 24 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Sports Complex. 

The Lady Blazers took the first steps on the sands as they faced the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs in the very first match of the tournament. Led by the duo of Angelika Mondejar and Doreen Baguio, the Lady Blazers struggled early in the first set against the Lady Chiefs, although the duo in green immediately recovered in the second set. The Lady Chiefs were consistent in giving forced errors to the Taft squad, allowing the Lady Chiefs to pull away with the win, 0-2. 

Next, the Lady Blazers took on the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags for their second match of the day. The ladies in green and white managed to control the first set, minimizing unforced errors and converting possessions. Fatigue struck the Lady Blazers during the second set as the Lady Stags executed easy points. But the offensive momentum was still present in the Lady Blazers, leading them to grab their first win of the tournament by defeating the Lady Stags, 2-0. 

The Benilde Blazers, on the other hand, also initiated the first match for the men’s division of the tournament against the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs. Bannered by Leonard Jaboli and Harold Marasigan, the Benilde Blazers couldn’t handle the opposing force of the Chiefs. Despite battling it all out and forcing a third set, the men in green and white did not have the tournament opener they expected. The Taft squad suffered a loss against the AU Chiefs, 1-2. 

Christian Aguilar took the reinforcement spot in exchange for Marasigan, tagging up with Jaboli to represent the Blazers in their second game against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags. The Taft squad took the offensive advantage as they claimed a set against the Golden Stags. A game-decider set was necessary as the Golden Stags managed to snatch a set to even the series. The Benilde Blazers handled the last set with composure, ending with a win against the Golden Stags, 2-1. 

Catch the Lady Blazers and the Benilde Blazers in their upcoming matches live on the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament Facebook page. 

The competition will last until Jan. 28 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Sports Complex.