The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers kept their winning streak rolling after defeating the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs, while the Benilde Blazers suffered a streak-ending loss against the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs in contrasting results, 3–1 and 0-3, respectively, today, Feb. 7, at the San Andres Gym in Manila City.
The Lady Blazers were tested early as Arellano’s Sam Tiratira and Laika Tudlasan picked apart the open court, forcing Benilde’s Shahanna Lleses and Chin Basarte into scramble plays that still produced points. However, Taft could not wrest control from the opponent, ending the frame on a sour note, 21-25.
In the second canto, Benilde were focused on redeeming themselves, with Zam Nolasco and Cam Bartolome executing shut-down defenses to deny the opponents’ attempts. Arellano pressed to protect their advantage, posing an intense all-square clash; nevertheless, the Lady Blazers sealed redemption, 25-20.
The third frame was brutal for the Lady Chiefs as the Lady Blazers capitalized on the Legarda Squad’s crippling pressure and miscues to build separation, digging Arellano's graves deeper with every point. Riding the momentum, Taft clinched the set win, 25-20.
In the deciding set, the Taft squad, led by Clydel Catarig, came out swinging and seized early command of the Taraflex, building a double-digit cushion. The Lady Chiefs stood their ground, as Tudlasan proved why she is the terror of the Lady Blazers, but Benilde’s inescapable dominance was inevitable, to clinch the win, 25-15.
On the other hand, the men in green and white ran into early resistance as Rocky Motol and Reymark Betco set the tone with powerful straight attacks. However, AC Guinto and Bryan Jay Cabrera of the Chiefs had a sharp response, giving their team momentum. The Benilde Blazers slipped late to drop the opening set, 23-25.
The second set engulfed the venue in flames, with both squads trading points in a tense back-and-forth. Motol and Betco steered Benilde, laying out an even playing field, but Jake Pangilinan, CJ Dominguito and Jiwen Sinuto led the opposing pack with sharp attacks. In the end, the cutthroat system stretched deep into extra points, giving Benilde a late opening, but the Chiefs held firm to take the set, 27-29.
The third frame proved pivotal, with the Blazers desperate to respond as they recalibrated and grabbed an early edge. However, the momentum swung midway as Arellano’s adjustments paid off, landing Benilde a bitter ending, 24-26.
Catarig charged high with 23 points consisting 15 attacks and seven blocks, earning her fourth player of the game honors.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers will face the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates and Lady Pirates on Feb. 11 at the same venue with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores
Lady Blazers: 21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-15
Benilde Blazers: 23-25, 27-29, 24-26
