The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers both had perfect runs against the University of Perpetual Help Dalta (UPHSD) Altas and Lady Altas respectively, 3-0, today, March 29, at the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Sports and Culture Center in Manila City.

The Lady Blazers were first on the taraflex against the undefeated Lady Altas as they traded blows early in the match. The Las Piñas Squad, led by Winnie Bedaña, was determined to protect their unblemished record, but the Taft Squad broke free from their deadlock showdown as Mycah Go and Clydel Catarig called the shots for a 25-16 opening set.

The second set witnessed nail-biting action from both squads, as the maroon and gold clad Jemalyn Menor stepped up to take their reins, while Wielyn Estoque resisted to secure the set for Benilde, 25-22. 

The third set saw more intensity as both teams locked in a fierce standoff, but the Taft Squad shut down any hopes of a Lady Altas’ comeback and hammered the final nail in the coffin to hand them their first loss of the season, 25-18. 

The Benilde Blazers were next to suit up against the Perpetual Altas. The men in maroon and gold made an opening statement with Jeff Marapoc and Kobe Brian Tabuga running the show, but the men in green and white came prepared with their top guns Rocky Motol, Mike Balbacal, and Adrian Austero. However, the Altas could not escape the Blazers with Reymark Betco delivering the final blow for the first two sets, 25-17 and 25-22 respectively.

Hezron Manaloto and KC Andrade stepped up for the Las Piñas Squad in the third set, gaining a four-point lead at 10-14, but Motol’s spikes were unstoppable, allowing the Taft Squad to demolish any lead their opponents built. The Blazers put the cherry on top with Austero’s attack slashing through the Altas’ gap to stun the defending four-peat champions, 25-23.

Estoque led the Lady Blazers with 17 points on 14 attacks, while Motol soared with 17 points on 16 attacks. 

The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers will face the Mapua University (MU) Cardinals and Lady Cardinals on Thursday, April 3, at the University of Perpetual Help Dalta (UPHSD) Gym with a live telecast on the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.

Set Scores:

Lady Blazers: 25-16, 25-22, 25-18

Blazers: 25-17, 25-22, 25-23