The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers came up short against the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Pirates in a thrilling five-set battle, 2-3, while the Lady Blazers cruised past the Lady Pirates in straight sets, 3-0, today, Feb. 11, at the San Andres Gym, Manila City.
The Blazers opened with a tense first frame as both teams traded points in a back-and-forth affair. The Taft squad leaned on Rocky Motol’s cross-court kills and Reymark Betco’s blocks to pull ahead and take the frame, 25-22. The second set mirrored the tug-of-war at the net, but the Muralla squad had Charles Segui and Rogel De Guzman to even the match, 19-25.
In the third set, the men in green and white regained momentum with combination plays from Motol and Mike Balbacal and key blocks from Betco giving the Blazers the edge, 25-21. The fourth set turned into a seesaw battle, with the Pirates clawing back to win 22-25, forcing a decisive fifth. In the final set, both squads traded points fiercely, but the men in red and white showed composure at the net that allowed them to edge out the Blazers in a thrilling five-set clash, 13-15.
In contrast, the Lady Blazers started strong with Shahanna “Ash” Lleses, Shekaina Lleses, and Zamantha Nolasco leading the team with their timely blocks and quick attacks that allowed the Lady Blazers to claim the first set, 25-18. Homegrown Bacolod player Camila Amor Bartolome stepped up alongside the Twin terrors to continue dominance at the net, turning key stops into points and closing the frame 25-15.
The third canto saw the Lady Pirates fight to stay in contention, but the Taft squad’s combination plays, blocks, and aggressive serves kept the Lady Blazers in control. Veteran player Clydel Mae Catarig, Bartolome, and the Lleses twins consistently found gaps, allowing them to close the set 25-15 and complete a commanding sweep over the Intramuros squad.
Lleses showed off a superb performance with 12 points, 11 attacks, and 1 ace, earning the Player of the Game honors.
Set Scores
Blazers: 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 22-25, 13-15
Lady Blazers: 25-18, 25-15, 25-16
