It takes team effort to bounce back after a painful loss
Defending NCAA men’s volleyball champions College of Saint Benilde Blazers plucked double-digit production from four players, as they dominated the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 25-16, 25-17, 25-20.
Middle hitter Jethro Orian and outside spiker Owen Bacani both finished with 12 points, while skipper Isaah Arda and Francis Basilan had 11, to clinch their fifth win of the year.
It was an offensive onslaught as the Blazers hammered 41 attack points to the Bombers’ 20. The Taft-based squad also defended the net well, scoring 11 block points in the short contest that lasted less than an hour.
Captain Arda admitted that it was their overzealous approach to the game against San Beda College that cost them the win, and was pleased that they overcame it this time against the Mandaluyong-based Bombers.
“At least [against JRU] nakita namin yung kulang namin against San Beda, which is, ngayon inaayos namin siya para sa susunod na laban against AU,” he shared.
Central attacker PJ Sulivas registered nine markers to lead the Bombers.
The reigning kings (5-1) and the Chiefs (5-1) will figure in a crucial match with high postseason implications on Monday, January 29. On the other hand, JRU (0-6) will have a battle against the semis-seeking Mapua University (3-2) on Sunday.
The Scores:
CSB 3 – Orian 12, Bacani 12, Arda 11, Basilan 11, Bautista 6, De Sequera 2, Rojas 1, San Miguel 1, Magsino 0, Saldavia 0, Martinez 0, Dy L, Daming L.
JRU 0 – Sulivas 9, Lahaylahay 7, Cebrero 4, Salazar 4, Soriano 2, Ferwelo 2, Rabaja 1, Francisco 1, Cruz 0, Flor L, Defensor L.