De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived a tough challenge from defending champion University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, to remain perfect in the NCAA Season 100 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Sports and Cultural Center in Manila.
The Altas were leading 14-10 in the third set in their attempt to extend the match but the determined Blazers scored four straight points from the efforts of Rocky Roy Motol, Reymark Betco to tie the set.
The two teams then went neck-and-neck until the Taft-based squad led, 23-20, but the Altas fought back and inched closer, 23-22. Motol put Benilde at match point but Perpetual salvaged one, thanks to Kobe Tabuga. In the end, Adriane Austero sealed the win for the green-and-white squad.
The Blazers improved to 8-0 and for them, completing a first round sweep is not their goal, but they would welcome it if it comes.
"Ang ini-insist ko, one game at a time. Kung manananalo, dadagdag at dadagdag 'yan. Never namin inisip ang sweep kasi first time natin mag-double round. Long journey ito, almost halfway pa lang ng tournament. Hangga't wala tayong nahahawakan na medal or whatsoever, hindi pa tayo nananalo," head coach Arnold Laniog said.
Motol, meanwhile, said they will try their best as they face fellow undefeated team Mapua University (7-0).
"Mas doble pa 'yung work namin, hindi lang doble, triple. Kailangan namin 'yun," Motol said.
Motol rocked Benilde with 17 points from 16 attacks and an ace, to go with 11 excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Austero added 12 points, while Jacob Agassi Herrera had 11 points.
Jeff Marapoc, meanwhile, led Perpetual with 12 points, while Tabuga added 11 points as the Altas slipped to 5-2.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
