St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde easily disposed of veteran Philippine Coast Guard, 25-15, 25-16, 25-20, for a winning start in its 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign in Pool C on Friday at Paco Arena.
With the Blazing Builders changing some of their men inside in the third frame, the Lifesavers kept within striking distance, inching closer, 18-20.
However, Adriane Austero, Reiven Valera, and Joseph Reolalas put the finishing touches for Benilde to end the game in just 74 minutes.
“Sabi ko naman every time na mag fill in kami ng kung sinong player, dapat hindi magbabago yung momentum. Eh medyo nag iba nagpasok ako ng second-stringers dahil ito yung chance nila para maexpose since first game rin para sa mga susunod mas ready sila,” said Blazers head coach Arnold Laniog.
Arnel Aguilar led the balanced Blazing Builders with 12 points and eight excellent receptions while Jacob Herrera had 10 points as well.
Valera produced seven points in two sets, Mike Balbacal managed six points, while Bryle Gomez tallied 14 receptions.
Kevin Dela Vega and Lerry Francisco paced the Lifesavers with seven and six points, respectively, as they fell to 0-2.
Benilde will have an eight-day break before returning on November 12 against Davies Paint-Adamson. Meanwhile, Coast Guard resumes its search for its first win on Wednesday against powerhouse Cignal.
