The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) men’s and women's beach volleyball teams wrapped up the final day of eliminations of the NCAA Season 98 beach volleyball tournament both at 5th place on Jan. 20 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone Sports Complex.
The day started with a crucial match between the Lady Blazers and the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Lady Knights. With a final four spot at stake, the Taft squad headed by Jessa Dorog and Wielyn Estoque opened the match firing. After an early 10-4 run right before both teams switched sides, the Lady Blazers would buckle on the momentum to finish the set up by 10, 21-11. The second set was by far different than the first, after a close battle between both squads, however the Lady Knights would edge out the Lady Blazers, 20-22, after consecutive hits by opposing hitter Chamberlaine Cuñada. Determined to bounce back and get the win, the Lady Blazers went toe-to-toe with the Lady Knights in the final set, but the Lady Knights would get the better end of the match,11-15, to end the final four hopes of the Lady Blazers.
Meanwhile, the men’s squad hit the sands, facing off against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights. The Benilde Blazers opened the day firing in all corners after dominating the Knights in the first set, 21-14. In the second set, both teams went back-and-forth, however, despite valiant efforts from the Knights to extend the ball game, the Taft squad put on a collective effort to secure the win, 21-18.
In the afternoon games, the Lady Blazers wanted to end their campaign with a win, while the Benilde Blazers sought a final four seat. The Lady Blazers kicked off their afternoon game against the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs in dominating fashion after, striking from all distances and hitting their shots allowing for a strong outing in the first set, 21-15, in the second set, the Lady Chiefs were focused to extend the match, however, the Lady Blazers would cut those hopes short after another dominating performance, 21-7.
The final match for the Benilde Blazers was against the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs, all while being determined to book a final four ticket. To open the set, the Taft squad struggled to hit their shots, paving way for a dominant performance by the Chiefs, 14-21. In the second set, both squads participated in a highly contested affair, but the Chiefs emerged victorious to win the game, 18-21.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers end their respective campaigns in the NCAA Season 98 Beach Volleyball Tournament both 5th place. The Benilde Blazers finished the tournament with a 4-5 win-loss record, while the Lady Blazers closed on with a 5-4 win-loss record.
