College of St. Benilde emerged victorious in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, sweeping the Lyceum of the Philippines University in a dominant 25-19, 25-11, 25-20 victory on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With this win, the Lady Blazers secured their second consecutive championship crown, continuing their reign as the queens of the court.
The Lady Blazers’ path to victory was highlighted by their impressive performance in the finals. They showed grit and determination as they took down their opponents in three straight sets. Their solid teamwork and unwavering focus allowed them to dominate the game and come out on top.
This championship win marks the third time that the College of St. Benilde has claimed the title in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament, with their first title dating back to Season 91 in 2015.
But their success in this season’s tournament goes beyond just the championship win. The Lady Blazers have also achieved an impressive 29-game winning streak in the NCAA, a feat that only serves to solidify their place as one of the top teams in the league.
Their consistent performance and undeniable talent make them a force to be reckoned with, both now and in seasons to come.
Jade Gentapa was hailed the Finals MVP, averaging 13.4 points in the series. She also scored 13 points built on 13 attacks, alongside 11 excellent digs to lead CSB in the clincher.
“Masaya po, siyempre kasi di ko rin po expect na ako po ‘yung magiging Finals MVP,” expressed the 5-foot-8 native of Davao on how she felt being crowned with the finals MVP plum.
Meanwhile, head coach Jerry Yee was awarded the Coach of the Year.
“Excited and masaya pa rin as always, di naman puwedeng di ka masaya,” he quipped.
After taking the first set and dominating the second set, CSB found itself in a tight spot in the third. The Lady Pirates’ Dolorito crosscourt kill tied the score at 16-all. However, that was Lyceum’s last hurrah as Gayle Pascual, Cloanne Mondoñedo, and Gentapa took charge to never let the Lady Pirates get any closer, turning a 16-all deadlock into a 22-19 advantage.
Then an error from Janeth Tulang’s net fault gave the Lady Blazers a match point before Zam Nolasco’s quick attack sealed the victory for CSB.
“Honestly mas mahirap this year because yun na nga kita naman na didikitan kami, then ilan ‘yung mga five setters namin, kaya we have to make adjustments with players, with game style, so of course, masaya pagka in the end nakuha namin,” said Yee, who was celebrating his birthday, moments after their victory against Lyceum.
Pascual produced 15 points on 14 attacks and a service ace for the Taft-based school, while Nolasco contributed 12 points built on three blocks.
Team captain Mondoñedo led the Lady Blazers with 23 excellent sets, while Fiona Getigan and Jessa Dorog added 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, respectively.
On the other hand, Jonah Dolorito led Lyceum with 11 points built on 10 attacks, alongside nine excellent receptions, while Joan Doguna contributed nine points on nine attacks and setter Venice Puzon tossed 12 excellent sets.
Camill Avila played her last game for the Lady Blazers.
