College of St. Benilde extended its winning streak to 24 games after winning a five-set nail-biter, 25-22, 25-16, 24-26, 22-25, and 15-13, against Mapua University in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday.
The Lady Blazers improved to 6-0 this season, while the Lady Cardinals snapped their four-game winning streak and are now 4-2.
Gayle Pascual led the way for the Lady Blazers as she finished with a game-high 24 points, 21 of which were from attacks. She also had 12 digs.
The Lady Blazers’ victory was hard-earned, just like their previous game.
The Lady Cardinals did not lose hope after trailing two sets early, and they forced a decider against the defending champions with the hopes of extending their win streak to five.
In the final set, both teams were tied at 12 apiece when Pascual scored two straight points to give the Lady Blazers a little breathing room and bring them to within match points, 14-12. Therese Manalo answered back with a hit, but Jade Gentapa ended the thrilling five-set with a score of 15-13.
Gentapa scored 23 points and had eight excellent receptions, while Manalo led the Lady Cardinals with 20 markers and 12 excellent digs. Roxie Dela Cruz and Alyanna Ong both had 16 markers.
Meanwhile, the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) also won their game against Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) after bucking a slow start and taking a 23-25, 25-18, 25-23, and 25-23 triumph.
LPU returned to the win column with a record of 4-2, while EAC dropped to 1-4.
Joan Doguna came in clutch for the Lady Pirates with 18 points coming from 12 attacks and six aces. She also had 15 excellent digs.
After losing the first set in a close contest, the Lady Pirates finally found their footing in the second period, winning it comfortably 25-18, followed by a tight third canto, 25-23.
In the fourth set, LPU found themselves down by four, 16-20, approaching the endgame. However, Joan Doguna led the Lady Pirates’ comeback, capped with three straight service aces to seal the deal, 25-23.
Janeth Tulang also had 16 markers for LPU.
Cathrine Almazan and Jennifer Ompas both had 16 markers apiece, while Monna Banares had 35 excellent digs for the Lady Generals.
