The De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers reigned victorious amidst the gritty 3–1 match against the Altas, while the Lady Blazers breezed past the Lady Altas, 3–0, today, Feb. 27, at the San Andres Gym in Manila City.
The first canto opened to a clear-cut challenge as John Castile of the Altas delivered pinpoint attacks that built a wide margin putting the Blazers at an early disadvantage. However, Rocky Motol, Mike Balbacal, and JV Estrada, stepped up to regain the team's game command, managing to set the game in a nail-biting clash. In the end, the men of green and white buried the Altas with their explosive offenses, allowing the team to cruise past the opponents to take the first set, 25-19.
In the second frame, the Blazers met resistance as the intense match made Dexter Graniada and Reymark Betco power through with striking hits to combat Tex Arrozado’s floor crashing quick-kill smashes, setting the scores in another rigid all-even standing. With both teams showing their hunger for the win, the set came down to the closing stretch, but Benilde fell short as Perpetual stole the frame, 23-25.
In the third set, the men in green and white had a lingering force for redemption, pushing the team to a high-caliber performance with Balbacal, Betco, and Graniada to execute precise powerful attacks and bulletproof defenses, while Altas’ Jester Bornel, Castile, and Arrozado forefront their unyielding spirit, intensifying the game with their quick kills and combination plays. But, the Las Piñas’ scheme was ineffective, giving Benilde a successful redemption arc, 25-18.
The deciding set placed both teams on the chopping block, setting the tone of the final set to a cutthroat and pressure-driven match. Despite the Altas' efforts to force an extension, the Blazers held their ground and closed out the contest in four sets, 25-20.
Echoing the cheers of triumph, the Lady Blazers opened the game with an early strong start, as Zam Nolasco and Chenae Basarte scored early points for the squad, exhibiting their mastery of the ball and sharp attacks to outrun the Lady Altas. However, the Sampaloc squad sat on their hopes, taking advantage of Benilde's execution errors allowing Jem Menor to lead the comeback.
Their steadier execution and composure allowed them to widen the gap and take a commanding two-set advantage, 25-16.
Camila Bartolome, flaring with success, notched 13 points, consisting of 2 service aces, 10 attacks, and 1 block, while Reymark Betco gained 21 points with 18 attacks and 3 blocks earning them both player of the game honors.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers will go head-to-head with the San Sebastian College–Recolectos (SSCR) Stags and Lady Stags on March 3 at the same venue with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores
Blazers: 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20
Lady Blazers: 25-20, 25-16, 25-19
