College of St. Benilde’s women’s volleyball team is one win away from back-to-back championship titles in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball.
After a three-set sweep against the Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday, the Lady Blazers are now within reach of defending their crown via a second consecutive season weekp
Leading the charge for the Taft-based school is usual suspect Gayle Pascual.
With 15 points built on 12 attacks and three blocks, Pascual once again proved to be a vital part of her team’s success. Despite her excellent performance, she knows that the work is not yet done, as there is still game two on Friday.
“Gusto naman talaga ng team makuha ‘yung [championship]. Sabi nga ni coach ilan beses kami maglalaro ng championship na, kaya namin mag back-to-back. So ayun trabaho lang naman ‘yung need namin gawin para matapos lang din,” said the native of Sta Maria, Bulacan.
“So di pa naman tapos ‘yung game eh may two pa ‘yun, ‘yun naman lagi sinasabi sa amin ni coach kahit kanina na mahaba pa ‘to may game two pa.”
While her coach, Jerry Yee, is confident that they can clinch the back-to-back championship, Pascual and her teammates will not be complacent. They know that they need to work hard and focus on their next game to secure the victory.
Pascual, who ranked second in the best scorers of the elimination round, tallied 148 points with 129 attacks, 14 blocks, and five service aces.
Her consistency on the court has earned the trust of her coach, who always expects her to give her best effort.
Yee knows that Pascual, along with Jade Gentapa and Mich Gamit, can always deliver when it matters most. And whenever Pascual has an off game, she is confident that her teammates will step up to back her up.
“Si Gayle naman ‘yung inaasahan namin diyan na consistent. Si Gayle, si Jade [Gentapa], si Mich [Gamit],” said Yee.
“So kung sino man mag off maybe… kumbaga nag ii-step up, so si Gayle lagi naman gigil pumuntos si Gayle. So good thing sa amin na nandiyan si Gayle.”
“Masaya kasi ganon ‘yung tiwala niya sa akin, and sa team,” Pascual expressed.
“’Yun nga lagi niya naman sinasabi niya kapag may nawawala sa amin, lagi naman meron pamalit diyan. Tas tiwala lang din sa system ni coach, siyempre siya ‘yung head coach namin.”
CSB now one step closer to achieving its goal, and Pascual and the Lady Blazers are determined to finish the job.
With the trust and support of their coach and each other, they are ready to fight for their back-to-back championship title in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Senior Volleyball tournament.
