With both teams missing key players, the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers edged NCAA rivals San Beda University Lady Red Spikers, 21-25, 26-24, 25-8, 25-23, in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Benilde continued to play without Rachel Austero, who suffered a knee injury while playing for Petro Gazz in the Reinforced Conference.
San Beda, on the other hand, missed captain Cesca Racraquin due to a sprained left ankle.
Both squads exchanged close set wins to start the match with the Lady Blazers catching three straight points off Lady Red Spikers’ errors to take the second set.
Benilde then dominated the third set before streaking to a 22-16 lead in the fourth frame. With the win in sight, the Lady Blazers allowed their foes to rally back and come within one, 24-23. Diane Ventura saved the Lady Blazers from a deuce, punching in a quick.
Still visibly not satisfied, Benilde head coach Jerry Yee stressed the importance of every win, regardless of their opponents’ standing.
“Siyempre lahat naman ng win importante diba lalo na ngayon. I think we have to win four games no? Eh ayon na nga three losses na tayo or two? We cannot lose na diba? So ayun laro lang, but then we are trying to see improvements kung meron,” said Yee.
Marites Pablo topped the Lady Blazers with 19 points while Klarisa Pablo added 15.
Saint Benilde (1-2) takes on the UST Golden Tigresses (3-0) on August 11 at the same venue.
Nieza Viray led San Beda with 19 points while China Tannagan managed 12.
San Beda (0-3) tries for their first win against the San Sebastian Lady Stags (0-2) also on August 11.
The Scores
CSB (3) – Pablo 16, Abriam 15, Umali 13, Daguil 7, Ventura 5, Miranda 2, Gamit 1, Cardiente 0, Lai 0, Sulit (L), Torres (L)
SBU (1) – Viray N. 19, Tannagan 12, Manzano 11, Espiritu 8, Viray J. 5, Galang 1, Dioso 0, Matias 0, Racraquin D. (L)
