The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers brought home, another four-setter victory over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags, last January 22, successfully moving on to Game three of the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Volleyball Tournament at the San Juan Arena.

Center attacker, Janine Navarro, who contributed 14 successful spikes, along with several defensive digs deemed her the best scorer of the team. And she wouldn’t have done so without Cheng’s quick thinking, delivering a total of 21 excellent sets. Jeanette Panaga and Chelsea Santillan were also very valuable assets to the success of the team, blocking 10 attacks to 5 from SSC-R, and also ridiculing the opponent’s confidence.

“Basta team effort, team effort talaga,” said Coach Macky Cariño, still recovering from the thrill and excitement of their triumph. Unlike SSC-R’s one-woman army, Gretchel Soltones, the Lady Blazers knew and trusted one another to play their part. He continued, “kailangan talaga mentally prepared [sila] kasi psychological na ‘pag dating ng championship. Yun yung naging advantage namin for this game.” he adds.

SSC-R Lady Stags might have to rethink their strategies over the weekend, for Coach Macky’s plan to train the Lady Blazers’ psyche instead of physique has continually been strategic to their ultimate goal of conquering the NCAA Championships. The Lady Blazers will attempt to make history on January 26, Tuesday and avoid a highly unlikely deciding match to be held on the same week, if necessary.

Photo by Sace Natividad