College of Saint Benilde was in dominant form as they sent Arellano University crashing, 25-21, 25-11, 25-10 in Game 1 of their best-of-three NCAA Season 97 women’s volleyball Finals series on Wednesday.
CSB will now look to finish off the series in Game 2 on Friday and dethrone Arellano, which has held the crown since Season 92.
Gayle Pascual and Mich Gamit took over in the second frame with the sophomore opposite hitter bringing them up 12-5.
Gamit then made sure to man the wall, notching two consecutive rejections for a 23-10 spread before she went for a quick to seal the set, 25-11.
That was far different from the opening set where Arellano continuously knocked on CSB’s door, even tying the match at 16-all. The Lady Blazers then needed to fend off the Lady Chiefs in the stretch to book a tight 25-21 first set victory.
The Lady Blazers, whose last game was still 11 days ago, had an even rousing start to open the third after racing to a 16-8 cushion following two consecutive attacks from Pascual before cruising to the 25-10 win.
Pascual led all scorers with 17 points anchored on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while Gamit poured in 11 markers.
Team captain Mycah Go proved effective anew on both ends with 8 points, 12 digs, and four excellent receptions.
—JMB, GMA News
