College of St. Benilde clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday after cruising to victory over Arellano University with a sweep of 25-15, 25-21, 25-19 at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The defending champions remain undefeated this season, now with an 8-0 win-loss record. On the other hand, the Lady Chiefs – last season’s first runner-up – dropped to the fifth spot with a 4-3 record.
“No,” said CSB’s head coach Jerry Yee when asked if they are gunning for a season sweep. “I don’t really promote those kinds of terms to the girls. We just play. If we have an upcoming opponent, we research them, study them, and prepare for them.”
Jade Gentapa led the Lady Blazers with 21 points built on 19 attacks and two blocks. Gayle Pascual contributed 17 markers, while Cloanne Mondonendo added 17 excellent sets together with five points.
It was a lopsided contest right from the start, as the Lady Blazers were in control. The lead grew by as much as 10, 25-15, to end the opener, capped by a back-to-back block from Zamantha Nolasco.
From there, Benilde did not look back and used the momentum they built in the succeeding sets to finish the match early.
No one from Arellano finished in double figures. Marianne Padillion had eight markers, followed by Robbie Matawaran with seven and Pauline De Guzman with six.
The second game was another lopsided victory as Mapua University beat San Beda University in three sets, 25-23, 25-19, 26-24.
With the win, the Lady Cardinals strengthened their playoff chances, as they improved to 6-2. The Lady Red Spikers, on the other hand, are now 1-7.
Mapua’s win also meant that Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Final Four hopes were now over.
“Like I said, it’s like the curse has been broken,” said Mapua head tactician Clarence Esteban after getting their first sweep of the season.
Roxie Dela Cruz and Therese Manalo finished with 15 and 14 apiece, while Trixie Gohol added two markers and 15 excellent sets.
After winning the first two sets, Mapua was challenged by San Beda as they found themselves in a match point at 24 all.
However, back-to-back attacks from Hannah De Guzman denied the Lady Red Spikers a set win.
Katleya Molina led San Beda with 13 markers and five excellent receptions, while Chynna Castillo added 10 points and 10 excellent digs.
