The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers bounced back with a win against the University of Perpetual Help-DALTA (UPHSD) Altas, however, the Lady Blazers absorbed their first loss against the Lady Altas since 2019, 3-1 and 2-3, respectively, today, Jan. 25, at the San Andres Gym, Manila City.

The men in green and white had a rough start as the opening set became a point-for-point tug-of-war, but the Taft squad managed to pull away late to take it from Las Piñas, 25-22. The second frame saw a repeat of the toe-to-toe duel at the net before Reymark Betco delivered the finishing blow, sealing the set for Taft, 25-23.

The third canto saw a reversal of fortunes at the half point as the Blazers lost their footing in their sweep attempt against the Altas, 21-25. The fourth set saw Mike Balbacal and Rocky Motol rise over the net as they anchored Taft’s final surge and turned key stops into points to close out the match in Benilde’s favor, 25-19.

Similarly, the Lady Blazers had a rocky opening against the Lady Altas as Las Piñas sent Cyrille Alemaniana into the queens’ chamber. Taft countered with Zam Nolasco, and Twin Terrors Shahanna Lleses and Shekaina Lleses to grace the Taraflex, however, their surge was not enough as Las Piñas veteran Shai Omipon and Jemalyn Menor drew first blood, 21-25.

The second set saw the Taft squad with a familiar championship poise and composition that fueled their response run and pulled away with 25-18 to even the match. The third outing became a tight exchange between the ladies in green in white against the ladies in white and red. However, in the dying moments of the game, Lady Altas team captain Charisse Enrico activated a timely surge to swing the momentum back into Las Piñas’ favor, 23-25.

The fourth set became a do-or-die for the Lady Blazers, but Nolasco and Chenae Basarte fueled Taft’s pull away with a comfortable cushion, 25-17, forcing the match into the deciding fifth. 

The deciding frame turned into a nail-biting, toe-to-toe duel, with neither side giving up a comfortable lead. Camila Bartolome and Cristy Ondangan kept Benilde alive by denying multiple match points late, but the Lady Blazers slipped in the final rallies and fell 14-16, their first loss to Perpetual since 2019.

NCAA Season 100 Reigning MVP Motol spearheaded the Blazers’ bounce-back with 21 points and 18 receptions, earning Player of the Game honors.

Set Scores

Blazers: 25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19

Lady Blazers: 21-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-17, 14-16