MANILA – College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers moved closer to NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball coronation after a 25-21, 25-11, 25-10 sweep of Arellano University in Game 1 of the Finals on Wednesday at Paco Arena.
Gayle Pascual spearheaded the offense with 17 points, 13 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, for the Lady Blazers, which are now ahead, 1-0, in the best-of-three titular showdown.
Mich Gamit chipped in 11 markers, while team captain Mycah Go was efficient on both ends with 8 points, 12 digs, and four excellent receptions for the Lady Blazers.
The Lady Blazers can finish off and dethrone the four-time defending champions Lady Chiefs in Game 2 of the championship series at the same venue today.
Playing for the first time in 11 days, the Lady Blazers struggled early in the opening set with the score tied at 16-all before unloading a huge scoring run to pull off the set win.
Pascual and Gamit took over in the second set as they cruised to a 12-5 start. Gamit then protected the middle with two straight blocks for a 23-10 score before ending the set with a quick hit.
The Lady Blazers had an even strong start in the third set for a 16-8 advantage following two consecutive attacks from Pascual before cruising to the 25-10 win.
Despite the straight-set victory in the title series opener, Lady Blazers head coach Jerry Yee still rued the poor start of his squad in the opening set that allowed Arellano to keep in step.
“Yung first set andaming nakakalusot na palo ng Arellano so we had to catch up. Nawala ‘yung game speed namin, hindi kami makasabay,” said Yee in a post-game interview.
No Lady Chiefs players reached double digits on offense with Pauline De Guzman leading the way with nine points while Bacolodnon Trina Abay, Charmina Dino and Cess Bello combined for 15 points./PN
