The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers displayed their strong offensive arsenal and maintained an undefeated record after sweeping the University of San Carlos (USC) Lady Warriors and the Enderun Colleges (EC) Lady Titans on July 12 and 13, respectively, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The reigning NCAA Women’s Volleyball champions faced unfamiliar foes in their last two matchups in the group stage of the 2024 Shakey’s National Invitational League. The Lady Blazers matched up with the reigning Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) runner-ups, USC Lady Warriors, and the reigning National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) champions, EC Lady Titans. 

With the newly revamped squad of coach Jerry Yee, the Lady Blazers managed to secure a win courtesy of a sweep against the USC Lady Warriors. The Cebu volleyball powerhouse struggled to catch a single set against the Taft squad, despite the heroics of their outside hitter Ghanna Suan. The ferocious trio of Rhea Densing, Wielyn Estoque, and Jessa Dorog led Benilde to secure the three-set sweep. Also seen in the game are the second stringers of the team, led by Clydel Catarig and Grace Borromeo. Team captain, Dorog was hailed player of the game with 12 points in 10 attacks and 2 aces.

In a matter of 24 hours, the Lady Blazers stepped on the court once again as they took on the Enderun Colleges Lady Titans. The game commenced with an early commanding head start as the ladies in green and white held onto the game momentum throughout all sets. Densing and Estoque tagged up to lead the scoring in the game. A late game scare by the Lady Titans became a problem for the Lady Blazers, as Enderun’s pesky hitter, Erika Deloria, managed to land attacks on the opposite end. The clutch efforts by Estoque lifted the Taft squad to capture a three-set sweep, maintaining the Lady Blazers’ spotless record. Densing was hailed as the best player of the game with 13 points in 10 attacks and 3 aces.

The Lady Blazers now advance to the semifinals, where they will face the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, July 14, at the same venue. 

Stream the action live on the Facebook page of Shakey’s Super League and the YouTube channel of Puso Pilipinas. 

Set scores:

CSB (3) vs USC (0) : 25 - 13, 25 - 15, 25 - 23

CSB (3) vs EC (0): 25 - 13, 25 - 14, 25 - 14