The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers outlasted the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals, 3-2, while the Lady Blazers shrugged off a first set slip-off against the Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs to book Benilde a final four appearance in both divisions, today, March 17, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City.
The Blazers opened the match, scoring the first point on the board. The Generals then built a steady lead in the first set, stretching the margin to as much as 10 points at the 10-20 mark. The men in green and white slowly cut the deficit, but EAC maintained composure and claimed the first set at 19-25.
The second set turned into a neck-and-neck tradeoff, with EAC determined to gain another set against the twice-to-beat squad. At set point in the Generals’ advantage, Rocky Motol scored a crucial point, tying the set at 24 apiece. EAC struck back in the extended set, but team captain Adrian Austero delivered a quick attack followed by an off-the-block hit by Motol, as Benilde evened the match at 1-1. The Taft squad carried their momentum into the next set, claiming their second straight set, 25-21.
On the brink of elimination, the men in red and white, led by the Ruther Abor, shifted the momentum despite Benilde coming within striking distance. Abor scored the final point and claimed the set, forcing a fifth set to keep their season alive.
The decider saw both teams trading points as Reymark Betco and Mike Balbacal scored to give Benilde a narrow two-point edge. With tension at its highest, Austero delivered the match point and sealed the deal, advancing to the semifinals.
The Lady Blazers was next on the Taraflex, but they had a rough start as Crisanta Servidad fueled a blue and white surge to claim the first set, 22-25. Taft retaliated with Zam Nolasco and Clydel Catarig at their helm. The Lady Blazers kept finding the floor in the second canto overwhelming Legarda’s defense, 25-15.
The third frame saw Cristy Ondangan activate the great wall of Taft as they clinched the set after a solid off-the-block point against the Lady Chiefs’ Moming Padillon, 25-23. Taft sent its monster rookie Camila Bartolome to deny Servidad with a seven-point cushion. Catarig hammered the final nail in the coffin of Arellano with a cross-court kill, to book the Lady Blazers a Final Four berth, 25-17.
Betco topped the tally sheet as the Player of the Game with 25 points, 19 attacks, four blocks, and two aces; while Catarig boosted Benilde’s bid with 22 points on 15 attacks, five blocks, and an ace.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers lock in and await their semifinal foes on March 24 and 22, respectively, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City, with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores
Benilde Blazers: 19-25, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12
Lady Blazers: 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17
