The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers survived thrilling five-setters against the National University (NU) Bulldogs and Mapua University (MU) Lady Cardinals, both 3-2, in the V-League 2025 Collegiate Challenge Conference on Sept. 10 at the Paco Arena in Manila City.
Despite being out of semifinals contention, the Benilde Blazers looked to assert themselves to close out their V-League campaign. Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol anchored the Taft squad while their efforts were reinforced by Chris Villanueva, Mike Balbacal, and Paul Jordan to secure a 2-0 lead, both 25-22.
Just when things were looking up for the men in green and white, the NU Bulldogs relied on Mac Bandola and Luke Macatangay as Benilde chased their tail throughout the third and fourth sets. Despite missing key players due to their commitment to the national team, the fierce Sampaloc squad overturned the odds to mount a comeback, 27-29 and 15-25, respectively.
A back-and-forth affair commenced in the nail-biter fifth set. When the persistent Bulldogs managed to lead by two at 7-9, the Taft squad answered with a 4-0 run courtesy of Motol’s spin spike and John Austero’s service ace. Ultimately, it was Austero’s precise hit that handed the victory to Benilde, 15-12.
Meanwhile, the Lady Blazers, fresh from their Davao Invitational Volleyball Tournament stint, started hot in the match’s first two sets. Rhea Densing displayed an abrupt force of offense, leading the way for the Benilde squad in capturing the first set, 25-18. Promising rookie hitter Camila Bartolome paved the way for the green and white in the second set, hovering around the defensive perimeter and landing heavy attacks against the Lady Cardinals, 25-17.
However, momentum quickly turned around in the third period when Lady Cardinal Nicole Ong started to land powerful blows on the Lady Blazers’ turf. Coach Jerry Yee’s second stringers managed to keep the narrow lead until unforced errors plagued the Taft squad’s tempo. Despite the last-minute efforts of veteran middle blocker Zam Nolasco, the Lady Blazers still couldn’t fend off the Lady Cardinals’ feisty offense, surrendering the set in an extended manner, 25-27.
The fourth set saw the revival of Benilde’s first stringers on the floor as they immediately made a commanding offensive run in the set. However, Mapua’s Raissa Ricablanca made things even with her consecutive crosscourt kills. The Lady Cardinals continued their pesky offensive tempo as they stole the fourth set, 23-25.
Benilde’s faltering game was still on display at the start of the fifth set, but Densing and Bartolome alternatively landed consecutive attacks to keep their momentum alive while Nolasco took over the defensive duties. A perfect play from setter Chenae Basarte gave a quick attack opportunity for Nolasco, giving the win for the Lady Blazers, 15-13.
Motol stood out as the best Blazer in the game with 21 points in 18 attacks and two blocks, while Densing was hailed as the player of the game with 29 points in 27 attacks.
The Benilde Blazers are officially out of contention, while the Lady Blazers proceed to the semifinals. The schedule of the semifinals is yet to be announced, as the results of the preliminary round are still pending.
Set Scores:
DLS-CSB vs NU: 25-22, 25-22, 27-29, 15-25, 15-12
DLS-CSB vs MU: 25-18, 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 15-13
