The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Benilde Blazers clawed their way through a thrilling five-set clash, outlasting the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, 3-2, to seize their first semifinal victory today, March 24, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City.

The Benilde Blazers came out swinging on the Taraflex, with Chris Villanueva firing two service aces to set the pace. Midway through the set, it turned into a battle of wills as Taft’s Rocky Motol and Muralla’s BemBem Bautista traded points. In the clutch moments, Mike Balbacal held the line with a commanding presence, while Raymart Betco dominated at the net to take the opener, 25-21.

The second frame saw a role reversal as the Knights’ John Araño took early control with a service ace. The men in green and white quickly answered, with points from Dexter Graniada and Villanueva, but late errors and a crucial triple block on Motol allowed Letran to level the match, 22-25.

In the third canto Letran fought back with Maximuz Lopez, and Bautista landing key hits, but the Taft squad’s consistent scoring maintained control. In the closing stretch, a 4-0 run capped by Betco sealed the set, 25-22, giving the Blazers a crucial advantage.

Letran fought back in the fourth, with Vince Himzon fueling a 1-10 run. Motol and Adriane Austero tried to keep Benilde alive, but the Knights forced a decider, 20-25.

In the deciding set, both teams traded points before Benilde took control in the closing stretch. A service ace gave the Blazers the edge, and Betco delivered the final point to seal the 15-13 win.

Betco led the Benilde Blazers’ offense with 37 points built on 34 attacks, two blocks, and an ace to earn the Player of the Game honors.

The Benilde Blazers will seek to secure victory over the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights on March 27 at the same venue with live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.

Set Scores

Benilde Blazers: 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 20-25, 15-13