The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers outdueled the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights in a five-set marathon, 3-2, to secure a finals spot today, March 27, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City.
The Benilde Blazers and Letran Knights opened with a back-and-forth affair, with a tight battle at 7-8 in favor of the Knights at the first technical timeout. Nearing the halfway mark of the stretch, Letran started to pull away, building a six-point lead with the hot hands of Vince Himzon and BemBem Bautista. Benilde capitalized on unforced errors by the Knights, and a momentum-shifting hit by Rocky Motol trimmed the lead to three, 17-20. However, Letran surged ahead and claimed the set, 19-25.
In the second frame, the Blazers took control, igniting a fast 3-0 run after a kill block from team captain Adriane Austero. The Taft squad built a steady six-point lead early in the set, but Himzon and the Knights answered back with a 4-0 run. A service ace by Maximuz Lopez gave Letran the lead at 10-11. Midway through the set, both teams were locked in multiple stalemates, and a wide hit from Himzon gave Benilde its first set point advantage, 24-23. A block by Letran forced an extension, but a fiery hit and a service ace from Reymark Betco tied the match at one set apiece.
In the third canto, Letran aimed to go up a set ahead of Benilde led by steady scoring from Dave Lardizabal, but Motol, Betco, and Dexter Graniada kept the set alive for the men in green and white. Despite Taft being within striking distance, Letran gained an edge and took command of the set, 21-25.
The Blazers were determined to fight back to extend the match as they went on a 7-1 run. Betco finished it off with a back-row attack, 25-23, to force a decider.
On the brink of elimination, Letran looked to keep their season alive by scoring the first point in the deciding set, but Betco’s consistent scoring and a blazing hit from Mike Balbacal built an early advantage. Despite Himzon and Bautista’s efforts, the Blazers built a commanding lead, and Betco scored off a crucial overpass by Letran, sealing the set, 15-9.
Leading the way for Benilde’s victory was Betco with 33 points, built on 31 attacks, and two aces.
The Benilde Blazers await the outcome of the do-or-die showdown between the Arellano University (AU) Chiefs and Mapua University (MU) Cardinals to determine their opponents in the finals.
Set Scores
Benilde Blazers: 19-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9
