The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) table tennis teams tallied different semifinals stories after the men’s team remained undefeated to secure their seats in the finals, while the women’s team fell to the bronze-medal game, on Jan. 31, at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gymnasium in Ermita, Manila. 

The Benilde Blazing Paddlers went straight against the fourth-placed Mapua University (MU) Table Tennis Team for a chance to advance in the championship game. Gelo Deocareza took the first singles match and went head to head, ending up with a 3-1 win. Henze Lucero represented in the second singles match and easily garnered a 3-0 sweep. Meanwhile, Joshua Lim and Neo Laudato bannered the team for the doubles match. The duo routed Mapua with a 3-0 win, giving a favorable match for the Blazing Paddlers with a series score of 3-0. 

On the other hand, the Lady Blazing Paddlers unfolded a different story as they lost against the San Beda University (SBU) Lady Red Paddlers. Marriane Peralta took the first steps for the first singles match, which ended up in a statement win by the Lady Red Paddlers, 0-3. Alex Reyes took the rallies for the second singles match. In what would turn out to be a highly contested matchup, the Lady Red Paddlers made sure to keep the advantage on their side, handing the Taft squad their second loss, 2-3. Looking to extend the ball game, Danielle Marcelo and Stephanie Manalo then tagged teamed for the doubles match. Despite efforts to keep the game close, the duo fell short of a win, 1-3. The Benilde Lady Blazing Paddlers ended their gold medal hopes as they fell in the battle-for-third game, after losing to the Lady Red Paddlers, 0-3. 

The Benilde Blazing Paddlers and Lady Blazing Paddlers are set to battle it all out in their final matches on Feb. 1 at the same venue. 

Catch the Benilde Blazing Paddlers live on their official Facebook page.