BY ABBY TORALBA
WITH opposite hitter Gayle Pascual showing the way, defending champion College of St. Benilde outlasted gritty Mapua University 25-22, 25-16, 24-26, 22-25, 15-13 yesterday for its sixth straight win in the 98th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Pascual sizzled with 24 points, 21 from attacks, two blocks and one service ace, along with 12 digs, while open hitter Jade Gentapa added 23 markers with eight excellent receptions.
The Taft-based crew scored its 24th straight win dating back to 2019.
Weilyn Estoque and Camill Avila also contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, while skipper Cloanne Mondonedo tossed 29 excellent sets with eight hits for CSB.
Therese Manalo led the Lady Cardinals, who fell to 4-2, with 20 points, while Roxie Dela Cruz and Allyana Ong added 16 markers each.
Earlier, Lyceum downed Emilio Aguinaldo College 23-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23.
Joan Doguna pumped in 18 points and 15 excellent digs for the Lady Pirates, while Janeth Tulang and Johna Dolorito added 16 and 15 markers, respectively.
With the win, Lyceum improved to 4-2, while the Lady Generals slipped to 1-4.
Skipper Catherine Almazan and Jennifer Omapas paced EAC with 16 points apiece while Jamaica Villena had 14 markers.
