CSB Lady Blazers torch JRU, clinch NCAA 95 semis berth

College of Saint Benilde punched its ticket to the NCAA Season 95 Women’s Volleyball Final Four, taking down Jose Rizal University in straight sets, 25-22, 25-12, 25-20, Friday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Blazers marched on to their fifth straight postseason appearance after staying perfect in seven matches. Meanwhile, the Lady Bombers slid to 3-5.

All players fielded in contributed at least a point for CSB. Rookies Gayle Pascual and Mycah Go led the squad with eight apiece. Middle blocker Michelle Gamit and opposite hitter Klarisa Abriam chipped in seven markers each, with the latter also carrying the cudgels for the Blazers in that finishing third set.

“‘Yung mindset namin is ‘yung for the last two games, sana pulido pa rin ‘yung galaw ng mga bata,” assistant coach Jay Chua shared on what the Lady Blazers need to continue after securing the Final Four spot.

Chua also shared that, “Better din po na ‘yung anim namin [sa court], lahat po nakaka-contribute. Nakakapag-step up naman sila.”

CSB finished with 25 errors, keeping the Lady Bombers in the thick of the fight, especially in the first and third sets. Nonetheless, the Lady Blazers made up for it in the crucial stretches, with the serves as their primary weapon.

The semis-bound side peppered JRU’s reception with 10 service ace. Two each of those winners came from Jade Gentapa and Go.

Lady Bombers setter Renesa Melgar had to take some attacks on her own due to faulty reception, ending up with eight points, all coming from spikes. Captain Dolly Verzosa added seven markers and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Blazers will take on Mapua University (1-6) the next Friday, February 14, to seal the twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. JRU, on the other hand, will look to finish strong as they face Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Monday, February 10.