[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’NCAA defending champ Benilde claims solo lead ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
MANILA – College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers survived a tough challenge from Letran Lady Knights to escape with a 25-27, 23-25, 25-22, 25-7, 15-12 win in the NCAA Season 92 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
Ranya Musa and Jeanette Panaga led the way with 19 points apiece for the defending champion Lady Blazers, which moved up to solo first place in the standings with a 2-0 win-loss slate.
After losing the first two sets, Lady Blazers was in danger in the third frame before gaining control at 23-20. Lady Knights came close to 23-22, but a hit by Panaga followed by an error by Lady Knights closed the set.
Lady Blazers went on a strong start in the fourth frame to surge to a 13-3 advantage. It widened the lead further behind multiple errors by Lady Knights to force a deciding set.
Both teams went on a tight exchange early in the fifth set for a 7-all score. Lady Blazers then began to pull away behind Panaga and Musa for a 10-7 lead. After another run by Lady Knights, Musa ended the match with a powerful hit.
“Noong first two sets parang hindi pa gising mga players ko,” said Lady Blazers head coach Macky Carino. “Kaya noong third set, sabi ko maka-isa lang tayo made-demoralize iyang Letran at iyon nga, nagtuluy-tuloy na.”
Mikaela Lopez top-scored with 18 points, while Melanie Torres added 12 markers for Lady Knights, which slid down to a 1-1 win-loss slate after starting the season with a surprise win./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
