The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers dominated the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers and Lady Bombers, respectively, today, Apr. 14, at the FilOil EcoOil Sports Centre in San Juan City. The women’s team remained flawless, 3-0, while the men’s team clinched their first win with a sweep as well, 3-0.
The Benilde Blazers led the first battle of the day against the Heavy Bombers in their third match of the season. The Heavy Bombers led on early in the game with outside hitter Ken Daynata and setter Resoldo Dilag spearheading the close lead by the team. However, the Taft squad got away with both outside hitters Arnel Aguilar and James Marasigan setting the momentum of the entire match, 25-22.
The men in blue and gold were determined to level the playing field, igniting the chemistry of outside hitter Matthew Miguel, opposite Maki Guanzon, and outside hitter Windel Laurenciana valiantly closing the lead of the Taft Squad. Their attempts were futile as middle-blocker Neil Manolo and Marasigan rained them down, securing the second set for the Blazers, 2-0. The Heavy Bombers team tried to close the eight-point deficit they had at the third set with the efforts of Miguel and Laurenciana, unloading consecutive seven points at the Blazer’s match point. Opposite Jacob Herrera shut down the valiant effort with a crushing blow, securing a clean sweep of the Heavy Bombers, 3-0.
The Lady Blazers and Lady Bombers were next to battle it out on the court. The first and second sets were dominated by the Taft squad as aggressive attacks and lethal blocks by middle-blocker Zamantha Nolasco, opposite hitter Gayle Pascual, middle-blocker Mich Gamit, and outside hitter Wielyn Estoque showcased their talent. On the opposite end of the court, the Lady Bombers were solely carried by team captain May Ruiz while they were evidently struggling to find their rhythm. In the end, the ladies in blue and gold could not keep up with the Lady Blazers’ skills and depth, giving them a 2-0 lead.
In the last set, JRU fought harder as they matched the Lady Blazers’ intensity with Ruiz. Open spiker Karyla Jasareno and universal Lyka Egera sparked the momentum for the team, slimming the deficit to only three points. Similar to their previous games, the ladies in green and white struggled to close out the third set but they eventually responded as Pascual scored back-to-back points to seal the win, 25-20.
With today’s win, the Lady Blazers extended their winning streak to 32 games, dating back to NCAA Season 97.
Set scores
Blazers: 25-22, 25-22, 25-19
Lady Blazers: 25-13, 25-12, 25-20
