College of Saint Benilde refused to slow down, sweeping Jose Rizal University, 25-13, 25-21, 25-9 to book the first Final Four ticket in the NCAA Season 97 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday.
The win gave CSB an immaculate 7-0 win-loss record, assuring the team of a playoff spot, while JRU dropped to 3-4 with only one week left in the elimination round.
CSB wasted no time asserting its dominance, racing to a quick 19-5 lead with middle blocker Cristy Ondangan denying JRU skipper Dolly Verzosa. A service error from Renesa Melgar gave CSB the set point, 24-13, before another middle blocker in Mich Gamit finished it off.
JRU, though, put up some fight in the second, even taking a slim lead early in the set. But CSB restored order with Gayle Pascual hitting back-to-back attacks for a 22-19 spread.
Another two consecutive hammers from Jade Gentapa sent CSB to the second set point as Queen Ann Salmon brought the Lady Blazers two sets up, 25-21.
CSB then mounted an insurmountable 16-6 cushion in the third as the Lady Bombers failed to find answers against the fierce Lady Blazers.
Gentapa led CSB anew with 16 points off 14 attacks and two aces while Gayle Pascual, Mycah Go, and Ondangan chipped in seven markers each. Go was also effective on the defense, collecting 10 digs and five excellent receptions.
CSB will next face University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Wednesday before it takes on three-time defending champion Arellano University on Saturday.
—JMB, GMA News
