SHOWCASING its championship heart, College of Saint Benilde humbled Letran yesterday, scoring a 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 victory to retain its crown in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Middle blocker Cristy Ondangan had 13 points while Clydel Catarig added 11 as the Lady Blazers completed their march to a four-peat while winning their fifth title overall in the grand old league.
The team completed a two-game sweep of the finals against the Lady Knights.
Graduating team captain and newly-minted season Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP Mycah Go capped her collegiate career with nine points and nine excellent receptions, while middle blocker Zam Nolasco also scored nine markers.
“Ito iyong hinihintay natin, masarap kasi dito [this season] lang kami natalo, then nakabalik, then nakapag-adjust. Iyong journey namin patungo sa championship iyong talaga iyong pinaka-the-best ngayon kasi sobrang haba ng serye then nakita nyo naman kung paano kami nag-struggle then nakabalik,” said coach Onyok Getigan.
“Mix ito ng mga rookie saka ng mga seniors, iyong iba dyan first time nila makalaro ng Finals,” he addded.
Earlier, Arellano University made history by capturing their first NCAA title in 16 years in the men’s division by outlasting Letran 24-26, 25-21, 25-15, 25-17 for a two-game sweep of the crown.
After winning the first two sets, the Lady Blazers found themselves in an 8-all tie in the third set but surged to a 12-8 lead and later to 22-14.
After Saint Benilde made 24-16 on a down-the-line hit from Rhea Densing, Letran scored three straight points but Ondangan finished the showdown with a quick hit to seal the title.
Rookie of the Year Vanessa Sarie and Best Opposite Spiker Judiel Nitura led Letran with 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
Outside spiker AC Guinto propelled the Chiefs with a double-double outing of 17 points and 20 excellent receptions while graduating hitter Carl Berdal added 16 markers and six digs.
Berdal was named the Finals MVP.
