De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde returned to its winning ways after surviving a five-set thriller against San Beda University, 25-27, 25-19, 25-20, 26-28, 15-12, on Thursday in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament at the Arellano University gym in Manila.
The Lady Blazers held a 16-8 lead in the fourth set before the Lady Red Spikers crawled their way and inched closer, 21-19. Wielyn Estoque put the Taft-based squad at 22 before the Mendiola crew got three straight points mostly due to Benilde's errors. The set remained tight as the two teams were tied at 26 before Janelle Bachar and Katleya Molina eventually sealed the set to San Beda.
In the final set, San Beda led 6-3 before Benilde caught up and 11-7 lead. Reyann Cañete put San Beda at 9 with Benilde having a three-point lead, but efforts led by Estoque in the final stretch sealed the win for the Lady Blazers.
Head coach Onyok Getigan said they are still adjusting with outside hitter Mary Grace Borromeo out due to injury.
The win also came after their loss against Colegio de San Juan de Letran which ended their previous 43-game winning streak.
"Sabi lang namin sa mga bata na kalimutan na anong mga nangyari, ang importante 'yung ngayon kasi nanalo pa rin naman," Getigan said.
Zam Nolasco led the Lady Blazers with 22 points anchored on 16 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, while Wielyn Estoque and Clydel Catarig had 16 and 13 points, respectively, for the Taft-based squad who improved to 4-1.
Reyann Cañete had 23 points, while Janelle Bachar had 16 points as the Lady Red Spikers remained winless in five games.
Benilde will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on March 21.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
