The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers failed to advance to finals after University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Lady Altas forced a five set showdown, 17-25, 29-27, 25-19, 24-26, 14-16, last Tuesday, January 29, in NCAA Season 94, at the FilOil Flying-V Centre, San Juan.

Opening the match with a massive Las Piñas audience, the Lady Blazers still managed to execute witty plays but struggled to keep composure as the Lady Altas took advantage, firing an eight point blast to close the first frame, 17-25.

After losing the opening set, Coach Jerry Yee summoned Felicia Cui who immediately made an impact in her team. Cui’s presence lifted the spirits of the Taft squad finishing with 11 points.

Stealing the second set away, the Lady Blazers barged with confidence as they quickly established a 12-point advantage. However, the Lady Altas recovered, firing a 5-0 run to cut down the lead, 9-16. After suspending the Lady Blazers’ lead, the opponent filed a comeback, forcing them to commit errors. With the service aces and blocking came to play, the Taft squad seized the lead, 22-13. The Las Piñas squad tried to secure the third set, establishing a six point run, but an error ended their marathon, 19-25.

Despite having two sets on hand, the ladies in green and white struggled to minimize errors but managed to execute a 19-8 record. The Blazers struggled to close the match which prompted a comeback of the Altas. The opponents managed to overpower the Taft squad, as they executed a 23-5 run, demolishing their massive lead, snatching the fourth canto, 24-26.

Overpowered with pressure, the Lady Blazers failed to maintain their pace and lost to the Lady Altas—losing their chance for the final spot, 14-16.

Scores:
DLS-CSB (2): Austero 17, Abriam 16, Umali 14, Cui 11, Daguil 6, Pablo 4, Lai 1

UPHSD (3): Imbo 32, Gaviola 10, Suico 9, Rosal 8, Verzosa 7, Tripoli 6, Umandal 4, Llorente 1