MANILA — Defending champion College of Saint Benilde shrugged off a first-set stumble and stormed back to eliminate Arellano University, 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17, securing a coveted Final Four berth in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Chasing a fifth consecutive NCAA title, the Lady Blazers leaned on a balanced offensive and defensive effort to book their seventh straight semifinals appearance, where they will face either the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas or the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals.
Zam Nolasco and Clydel Catarig spearheaded the Benilde attack, combining for 43 points, with Nolasco finishing with 22 markers and Catarig adding 21 to lead the defending champions past the Lady Chiefs.
After splitting the first two sets, Benilde found itself in trouble in the third frame, trailing 9-15 before mounting a decisive 13-7 run. Catarig and Shekaina Lleses sparked the rally that knotted the set at 22-all.
Catarig then delivered back-to-back attacks to push the Lady Blazers to set point before teaming up with Cristy Ondangan for a block that sealed the frame.
Riding that momentum, Benilde dominated the fourth set, quickly establishing control behind the defensive efforts of Ondangan and rookie Cam Bartolome, while Nolasco and Catarig sustained the offensive pressure.
Catarig eventually closed out the contest with a conversion off a free ball, sending the Lady Blazers deeper into their title-retention bid.
Crisanta Servivad paced Arellano with 22 points, while Cassey Florida and Fhaye Mangubat chipped in nine each in the losing effort.
In another quarterfinal clash, Mapua University forced a do-or-die match against San Beda University after sweeping the Lady Red Spikers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21.
Angellick Gem Gavica orchestrated the Lady Cardinals’ offense with 19 excellent sets to earn Player of the Game honors, keeping Mapua’s semifinal hopes alive despite San Beda’s twice-to-beat advantage./PN
