The De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazing Spikers forced a decisive Game 3 against the Mapúa University (MU) Cardinals in a thrilling five-set battle, 3–2, today, April 8, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila City.
The Blazing Spikers opened the match with a steady lead as Rocky Motol led the charge for the Taft squad early on. Dexter Graniada and Reymark Betco sparked a run that built a 10-point cushion, before team captain Adrian Austero delivered a quick attack that extended Benilde’s margin to 11 at the 20-9 mark. Ar-jay Ramos mounted a late run to fuel a Cardinals’ comeback, but fell short as Benilde claimed the set, 25-18.
In the second canto, the Blazing Spikers leaned on the firepower of Betco and Motol to sustain their momentum, delivering crucial attacks that kept the Taft squad in control. However, the Muralla crew refused to yield, as Adrian Musni and Barbie San Andres sparked key runs to challenge the Blazing Spikers’ lead. Despite the resistance, the men in green and white remained composed, withstanding the late push to close out the set, 25–21.
The third set was a tug-of-war with multiple deadlocks as Ramos and San Andres led the rally for the Cardinals, while Betco surged ahead for Benilde. Both squads struggled with costly unforced errors, however, a cross-court attack sealed the frame for Mapúa, clinching the set 22-25.
In the fourth frame, both squads traded points early before the men in red and gold pulled ahead behind the combined efforts of San Andres, Ramos, and Musni, building a steady cushion. The Blazing Spikers stayed within striking distance through Betco and Motol, but service errors allowed the Cardinals to maintain control, securing a 20–25 set win and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The decider saw Betco ignite Benilde’s offense as they pulled away from Mapúa with consistent attacks and capitalizing on opponents’ errors. Motol’s final attack point sealed the set, forcing a high-stakes win-or-go-home contest as they tied the series 1-1.
NCAA Season 101 Best Opposite Hitter Betco led the pack with 33 points, leading the team with 30 attacks and clinching Player of the Game honors.
The Blazing Spikers look to take home the championship in the season finale this coming Friday, April 10, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores
Blazing Strikers: 25-18, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 15-9
