College of St. Benilde overcame early resistance from Letran before eventually dominating the match with a 25-21, 25-15, 25-14 victory yesterday, putting them on the cusp of ruling NCAA Season 99 Women’s Volleyball at the Filoil EcoOil Centre and completing a third straight title sweep.
The trio of Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual, and Zamantha Nolasco took care of business, scoring 14, 14, and 12 points respectively.
The Lady Blazers gained a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series and a chance to secure a three-peat sweep.
CSB goes for the jugular in Game Two.
If they win, it will mark their third straight 11-game championship sweep, extending their impressive streak to 39 consecutive victories, which began in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
“Basta kami, may isa pang game para magtrabaho pa ulit dahil pwede matalo din, pwede magka-problema, so kailangan may ayusin pa,” said CSB coach Jerry Yee, who also thanked generous patron Strong Group Athletics’ Frank Lao.
Earlier in the men’s division, the University of Perpetual Help survived Emilio Aguinaldo College, 24-26, 25-20, 27-25, 25-19, moving to the verge of extending their dynastic reign for another season.
“Mahirap, pinaghirapan ng mga bata makuha ang Game 1. I respect the EAC Generals; they gave a good fight,” said Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar.
“Paghahandaan pa lalo namin ang Game 2 para hindi maputol ang aming winning streak. Salamat sa Perpetual Community at sa Tamayo Family para sa suporta.”
Reigning MVP Louie Ramirez was at his electrifying best, scoring 23 points, while Jefferson Marapoc added 20 hits.
The Altas are now one game away from claiming a four-peat crown and their ninth title in the last 12 seasons.
