GAMES TODAY
(Arellano University gym)
11 a.m.– Letran vs. Lyceum
1 p.m.– San Sebastian vs. JRU
DEFENDING champion College of Saint Benilde regained its winning ways with a come-from-behind 25-27, 19-25, 20-25, 28-26, 15-12 victory over San Beda University yesterday in the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Arellano University gym in Manila.
The Lady Blazers improved to 4-1 while San Beda remained winless in five games.
In the other game, Raissa Ricablanca scored 20 points to lead Mapua University to a hard-earned, 27-25, 25-21, 22-25, 19-25, 15-10 decision over Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Next Friday, the Lady Blazers are up for an epic showdown against last season’s semifinalists Lyceum Lady Pirates when the league goes to Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong, while the Lady Red Spikers hope to pick up their first victory of the season against San Sebastian.
Middle blocker Zam Nolasco led the offensive load for the four-peat-seeking Lady Blazers with 22 points on 16 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces, while wing spiker Wielyn Estoque added 18 markers, all in attacks.
Also contributing to the green-and-white squad’s bounce-back victory were Clydel Catarig with 16 points and skipper Mycah Go, who added 13 in the almost two-hour affair.
“Sinabi lang namin sa mga bata na kalimutan na iyong mga nangyari. Ang importante iyong ngayon. Iyong five sets kasi importante manalo pa rin,” St. Benilde mentor Onyok Getigan said as the Lady Blazers shrugged off their setback last week to Letran which ended their 43-game winning streak.
“Okay na nangyari [loss to Letran] kasi lesson learned. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn,” he added.
Outside spiker Reyann Canete paced the Lady Red Spikers with 23 points while Janelle Bachar and Kat Molina added 16 and 11 markers, respectively, in the losing effort.
With the win, Mapua rose to 2-2 while EAC dropped to 1-3. Nadine Berces and Grace Cabadin chipped in 12 and 10 markers for the Intramuros-based squad.
The Lady Cardinals shoot for their third consecutive win today, Friday, when they go up against home-bets Arellano Lady Chiefs while the Lady Generals take on the Perpetual Lady Altas.
