BY ABBY TORALBA
HARDLY showing rust, defending champion College of St. Benilde whipped Lyceum 25-17, 25-19, 25-19 yesterday in Game 1 of their best-of-3 finals duel for the 98th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament crown at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Blazers moved within a win of a historic back-to-back titles, thanks to opposite hitter and reigning Finals MVP Gayle Pascual, who sizzled with 15 points, while outside spiker Jade Gentapa adde nine markers.
“One game at a time kami so happy kami na we got it. Then, lamang sa blocks, (which is) good,” CSB coach Jerry Yee said.
“Somehow, napag-usapan iyan and pacing namin sa floor, sa defense,” he added.
Middle blocker Michelle Gamit added eight hits for the Lady Blazers, while skipper Mondonedo had 12 excellent sets along with three points.
Joan Doguna and Johna Dolorito combined for 17 points for the Lady Pirates, while Janeth Tulang only had seven markers.
CSB can wrap up the race-to-2 series in the second game on Friday at the same venue.
A deciding Game 3, if necessary, will be on Sunday also at the San Juan-based arena.
Earlier, reigning three-time champion Perpetual Help drew first blood with a 25-20, 25-16, 25-22 triumph over San Beda University in the men’s finals.
Outside Jefferson Marapoc banged in 13 hits and seven digs for the Altas, while Joshua Zareno added 10 points.
Setter JC Enarciso tossed 16 excellent sets along with six points for the chargers of strategist Sammy Acaylar.
