After an error-filled first two sets, the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers got their act together and kept their perfect start to NCAA Season 93 intact in five sets against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Lady Pirates, 22-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-13, 15-10, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Blazers helped the Lady Pirates get off to a splendid start, relinquishing 18 errors combined in the first two sets. CSB head coach Arnold Laniog lamented their early-game struggles which has become their alarming habit.
“Noong una ko palang hinawakan ‘yung team, may ganito na kaming problem. Hanggang ngayon nireremdyohan namin ‘yun. Kanina talagang struggle ‘yung simula namin,” said Laniog.
The last three sets were a completely different story as Benilde thoroughly dominated. The Lady Blazers slammed Lyceum with a 15-6 lead in the third set and a 14-5 lead in the fourth to force a decider.
While Lyceum forced a 4-all deadlock in the fifth set, that was their final hoorah as Benilde countered with a 5-0 run to seal the game.
“Gusto ko ‘yung simula namin parang ‘yung pagtapos namin ng laro kanina. Ang hirap kasi kung mabagal ‘yung simula namin tapos makakakuha agad ng momentum ‘yung kalaban,” added Laniog.
Transferee Klarissa Abriam topped all scorers with 18 points while veteran middle blocker Rachel Austero managed 16 to lead the Lady Blazers.
CSB (2-0) tries for their third straight win against the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers (1-0) on Tuesday, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Bien Juanillo tallied 14 points for Lyceum who fell to an 0-2 record.
The Lady Pirates take on the the Mapua University (0-2) on Monday.
The Scores
CSB (3) – Abriam 18, Austero 16, Pablo 12, Musa 11, Ventura 8, Cardiente 6, Daguil 1, Enginco 0, Lim (L), Torres (L)
LPU (2) – Juanillo 14, Sevilla 11, Miralles 9, Bongabong 5, Patio 5, Genova 2, Marcella (L), Romanban (L)
