Perennial NCAA Final Four contenders College of Saint Benilde Blazers ended their 2016 Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference run, managing a close straight-set win over the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners 25-17, 32-30, 29-27 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Both squads had not won a match heading into their clash. Saint Benilde had several close matches but could never gain early momentum and always fell behind to start matches.
Againt the Mariners, the Blazers finally managed to start strong, dumping their foes with a quick 19-10 lead and never looking back. The next two sets, however, were tight with Saint Benilde coming out on top thanks to clutch defensive plays and the Mariners’ errors.
The Taft-based spikers were led by team captain Johnvic De Guzman who amassed 17 points off 13 attacks and four blocks. Open hitter Isaah Arda contributed 14 markers.
“Siguro disappointing nga para sa amin na ganito natapos ang season namin. Pero masaya pa rin na nakapanalo kami,” said CSB head coach Arnold Laniog. “Sumubok kami ng iba’t ibang rotation sa tournament na ‘to. Malaking tulong ‘yung experience namin dito para sa NCAA.”
Erickson Chan and Ronel Fortaleza each pitched in 12 points for the Mariners while Keyvin Premaylon powered in 10 markers.
The Blazers, who made the quarterfinals of the last Spikers’ Turf season, finished this season with a 1-4 record. PMMS ended their first Spikers’ Turf run without a win in five games.
The Scores
CSB (3) – De Guzman 17, Arda 14, Bagalay 7, Basilan 9, Orian 9, Bautista 3, Jordan 3, Deximo 2, Magsino 2, Montano 0, Garcia (L), Dy (L)
PMMS (0) – Chan 12, Fortaleza 12, Premaylon 10, Balanga 5, Pabillar 5, Pakingan 4, Gumera 3, Gapaz 2, Macalma 1, Del Carmen 0, Rosete 0, Llanera (L), Santos (L)
