GAME TOMORROW
(The Arena, San Juan)
2:30 p.m. – Letran vs. Arellano
REIGNING champion College of St. Benilde turned back Mapua University 20-25, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18 yesterday in their Final Four duel to clinch the first finals slot in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The top-seeded Lady Blazers moved closer to realizing their four-peat dreams thanks to the efforts of middle blocker Zam Nolasco, who scored a game-high 19 points, while utility hitter Rhea Densing tallied 13 markers and 14 digs.
The Taft-based crew advanced to a fourth straight finals stint since Season 97, under the leadership of now-consultant Jerry Yee, as it also vies for a historic four-peat.
Game 1 of the best-of-3 finals is set for Sunday, June 8, at the same venue. CSB faces the winner between Letran and Arellano University.
Ash Lleses and skipper Mycah Go also had 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Lady Blazers.
“Iyong first set namin, mabagal kami kung makikita ninyo, maraming bolang bumagsak. So, siyempre nagalit si coach. Nag-response iyong mga bata nang mabilis so nagpalitan ng tao. So, iyong adjustment nandoon. Pagdating ng second set, iyon, nakuha na namin,” CSB coach Onyok Getigan said.
Outside spikers Garcia and Raissa Ricablanca proved to bve the one-two punch for the Lady Cardinals with 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Mapua still has a chance to crash podium in the battle-for-bronze also on Sunday.
