The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde looks to continue playing the spoiler's role when the host school jumpstarts its campaign in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament.
The Lady Blazers last won the championship in 2016 when they edged then defending champion Arellano University in the semifinals, denying the school a back-to-back title, before stunning top seed San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the finals.
CSB, who finished the eliminations at fourth spot, had to climb a grueling stepladder in that season en route to notching its maiden title behind Jeanette Panaga, who was named that season's Finals MVP and Best Blocker.
Fast forward to 2020, CSB has shown glimpses that it can finish on top anew.
They had racked up seven wins while incurring no loss before the scheduled clash with the four-peat seeking Arellano in the final elimination round game day. A win would mean an outright finals berth for Benilde but that didn't come into fruition as the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.
This time, CSB is out to put a stop to Arellano's dynasty and start their own.
Led by team captain Mycah Go and strong-hitting Gayle Pascual, the Jerry Yee-mentored team is tipped to go all out to end the school's three-year drought.
Completing the roster are Corrine Apostol, Camill Avila, Chenae Basarte, Cathrina Dizon, Kim Alison Estenzo, Michelle Gamit, Jade Gentapa, Angelika Mondejar, Cloanne Mondoñedo, Cristy Ondangan, and Queen Ann Salmon.
—MGP, GMA News
