NCAA powerhouse College of Saint Benilde Blazers outlasted neighbors De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, to remain in the hunt for a spot in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference semis at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The win gives Benilde a 4-3 record and puts them in a triple tie for the fourth seed with Adamson and FEU.
Benilde head coach Arnold Laniog knew he had quite a challenge ahead of him since he is friends with most of La Salle’s coaching staff.
“Sabi ko sa mga bata, mataas ang morale ng kalaban, tinalo nila ‘yung NU. Malaki ‘yung confidence na nakuha nila,” said Laniog. “Siguro, sa tatlo naming panalo, dito sa pang-apat ako pinaka-satisfied. Nakita ko na maganda ‘yung ginalaw ng lahat ng players ko.”
The Blazers leaned on transferee Vince Abrot for much of their offense. The former UE Red Warrior tallied 22 points, including three of CSB’s last four points in the fourth set that closed the match.
Fellow former Red Warrior Roniey Adviento and captain Francis Basilan each provided 11 points for the Blazers.
Opposite hitter Gerian Bacon managed 17 points for La Salle, while Cris Dumago added 12 markers.
CSB take on the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday at the same venue. La Salle (2-5) face the Perpetual Altas (1-5) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
CSB (3) – Abrot 22, Adviento 11, Basilan 11, Bacani 9, De Sequera 8, Magsino 2, Rojas 1, San Miguel 0, Dumaran (L), Dy (L)
DLSU (1) – Bacon 17, Dumago 12, Reyes 10, Delos Reyes 7, Llige 7, Marco 4, Inocentes 2, Balanog 1, De Jesus 0, Serrano 0, Macaspac (L), Sumalinog (L)
