The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers faced the San Beda University (SBU) Spikers and Lady Spikers, respectively, today, Apr. 12, at the FilOil EcoOil Sports Centre in San Juan City. The women’s team remained flawless, 3-0, while the men’s team absorbed their second loss, 0-2.
The Benilde Blazers were the first to step foot on court as they faced the Red Spikers in their second match of the season. Both teams needed no time to warm up, resulting in an even match. However, the Taft squad pulled away after outside hitter Arnel Aguilar scored three consecutive points, sparking the Blazers’ momentum to end the set, 25-16.
Despite the Blazers’ dominant first set win, the Red Spikers were determined to bounce back, spearheaded by outside hitter Van Book and opposite hitter Kevin Montemayor, allowing them to level the competition, 1-1. While the excellent offense of the Mendiola squad carried over in the third set, the Blazers maintained their composure, marking an impressive 4-0 run tying the game and extending the set. With both teams playing exceptionally well in overtime, it was anyone’s game until back-to-back attacks by Book clinched the third set to give the Red Spikers a 1-2 lead.
The fourth set saw a solid team effort from the men donning green and white as opposite hitter Jacob Herrera, setter Chris Villanueva, middle-blocker Mike Balbacal, middle-blocker Neil Manolo, and Aguilar all took turns adding points to the scoreboard. Unfortunately, consecutive fierce blocks and sharp attacks by Book gave the Red Spikers the win as they went on a 4-0 run to end the match, 1-3.
Next up, the Lady Blazers and Lady Red Spikers graced the court. The first set was directed by the defending champions as they effortlessly controlled the pace of the game to lead, 1-0. Nevertheless, the Lady Red Spikers did not back down in the second set as star outside hitter Angel Habacon, middle-blocker Erin Navarro, and rookie Jayde Dela Cruz set the tone for the ladies in red and white, to cut the lead to only four points. Benilde’s middle-blocker Mich Gamit, opposite hitter Gayle Pascual, and outside hitter Wielyn Estoque maintained their momentum to extend their lead, 2-0.
The third set saw a more competitive match as the Lady Red Spikers remained determined to win despite trailing behind. Aside from Habacon, Navarro, and Dela Cruz who were consistent throughout the game, outside hitters Chynna Castillo and Kat Molina gave the Mendiola squad the boost they needed to get the lead for the first time challenging the Lady Blazers. But the Taft squad displayed championship experience and eventually gave them the advantage to secure the win after a tight third set to cap off the game with a clean sweep, 3-0.
Set scores
Blazers: 25-16, 23-25, 28-30, 25-22, 19-25
Lady Blazers: 25-11, 25-21, 25-22
