The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers and Lady Blazers attained a double victory against the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs and Lady Chiefs, both 3-1, today, Feb. 20, at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Gym in Manila City. 

Despite this being the first match of the season, both the Benilde Blazers and Arellano Chiefs played like well-oiled machines, causing the first two sets to extend to overtime in an intense see-saw battle. However, a solid team effort by Arnel Aguilar, Mike Balbacal, Jacob Herrera, and Rocky Motol anchored the Taft squad in crunch time to secure a 2-0 lead for the men in green and white.

The momentum quickly shifted in the third set as Chiefs CJ Dominguito and Carl Berdal took matters into their own hands with aggressive attacks to force a fourth set, 1-2. Despite their valiant efforts, the Blazers locked in and maintained a lead with Motol scoring three consecutive points to secure the victory, 3-1. 

The reigning three-peat NCAA champions immediately made their quest to defend the crown known by taking control of the match with trio Mycah Go, Mary Grace Borromeo, and Zam Nolasco at the helm, 2-0. 

In a similar fashion to their male counterparts, the Lady Chiefs staged a comeback with Laika Tudlasan leading an impressive 4-0 run to extend the game, 2-1. To kick off the fourth set, Arellano captured an early 3-point lead. However, the ladies in green and white regained their composure to deny the Lady Chiefs’ chance to force a five-set thriller to secure their 41st consecutive win, 3-1. 

Motol and Go were featured for their key performances scoring 25 and 17 points respectively to propel Benilde to victory. 

Set scores:

Blazers: 25-22, 27-25, 27-29, 25-19

Lady Blazers: 25-18, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17