The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers failed to stretch their spotless record after succumbing to the top seed Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 1-3, in the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge today, Sept. 8, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center.
Luck was on Benilde’s side as they entered the game with an easy point from the red card penalty of the Lady Tamaraws who wore the wrong jersey uniform. With the help of Zamantha Nolasco’s fierce hits, the Taft squad managed to build an early margin despite nifty attacks from the green and yellow side, 14-11. However, their poor reception gave the Lady Tamaraws an opportunity to bank on back-row attacks and conclude the neck and neck first set with 25-23 domination.
Jade Gentapa took matters into her own hands after dropping three explosive attacks from the left wing early in the second frame. At the same time, FEU stayed unstirred with Lady Tamaraw Faida Bakanke scoring four consecutive service aces. The Lady Blazers executed strategic attacks and blocks by utilizing front-row beasts Gentapa and Cristy Ondangan for a five-point cushion, 15-10. Reviving their frail floor defense in the first set, the Taft squad continued to display their championship form and asserted dominance throughout the set with a 25-19 comeback.
The Lady Tamaraws opened the third frame with vicious attacks to claim the lead, 8-6. The Lady Blazers activated Jessa Dorog in hopes of another comeback play, but their inconsistent floor defense couldn’t cease the opposing team from dropping powerful attacks. The Morayta squad dismissed the redemption efforts of the Lady Blazers who were only scoring off FEU’s errors and eventually ended the set with a commanding nine-point lead, 25-16.
The beginning of the fourth set was in shambles for the Lady Blazers who couldn’t bounce back from a 2-8 margin. They tried to stage several combination plays with the help of setter Cloanne Mondonedo, but poor communication made every attack predictable for the Lady Tamaraws. Coming off from a timeout, the Lady Blazers managed to climb their way from 13-20 to 18-21, thanks to Gayle Pascual. But like a well-oiled machine, the Morayta squad continued to pounce on the frail defense of the Lady Blazers and never looked back as they handed Lady Blazers their first loss, 25-22.
Pascual and Gentapa ushered the squad with 17 points while Nolasco chipped in 12 from seven attacks and five blocks.
The Lady Blazers will face the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors at the same venue on Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center. The game will be streamed live at the V-League website, Facebook and Youtube, and Solar Sports.
DLS-CSB (1): Gentapa 17, Pascual 17, Nolasco 12, Catarig 4, Apostol 2, Dorog 2, Gamit 1, Mondonedo 1, Ondangan 1, Basarte 0, Boromeo 0, Estenzo 0, Estoque 0, Getigan 0
FEU (3): Bakanke 19, Tagaod 14, Bedonia 13, Truz 9, Ubaldo 9, Panangin 8, Devosoria 2, Petallo 2, Asis 0, Ellarina 0, Gallo 0, Juangco 0, Medina 0, Monares 0
