The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers defeated the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags and Lady Stags respectively, both 3-0, today, March 6, at the Lyceum of the Philippines University Gym in Manila City.
The first hardcourt joust between the Golden Stags and Blazers was not met with resistance as the Taft Squad effortlessly dominated the Recto Squad, 25-17. The succeeding set witnessed a Rocky Motol takeover as he launched aggressive attacks to claim the second set in the favor of the men in green and white, 25-23.
Meanwhile, Justine Santos and Kyle Angelo Villamor rallied the Golden Stags to hold out against the Blazers in the third set. However, the Taft Squad displayed mastery on the court to claim their third consecutive victory, 25-21.
The Lady Blazers were next to set foot on the taraflex against the Lady Stags. Although the ladies in green and white maintained a steady five-point cushion for most of the opening set, a last-minute burst from the Lady Stags broke their rhythm and threatened to turn the tide. However, the Taft squad tightened their defense to deny San Sebastian an early game advantage, 25-20.
Behind a five-point breakout led by veteran Wielyn Estoque, Benilde breezed past the ladies in red and gold to secure the second set, 25-13. In response, the Lady Stags bounced back with an early push in the third set courtesy of three back-to-back aces from Divine Garcia, who pressured the Lady Blazers alongside Kath Santos. However, Clydel Catarig and Zam Nolasco spearheaded a six-point blowout to hand the Recto crew their first loss of the season, 25-21.
Motol led the Blazers with a game-high 16 points on 12 attacks and 2 aces while Lady Blazers’ Estoque excelled with 15 points on 14 attacks and 1 ace.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers will face the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Knights and Lady Knights on Saturday, March 8, at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Gym with a live telecast on the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores:
Blazers: 25-17, 25-23, 25-21
Lady Blazers: 25-20, 25-13, 25-21
