The Benilde Lady Blazers are still the queens of NCAA women’s volleyball.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday swept Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball finals at the Filoil Centre to claim their fourth straight title.
After a close second set, the third frame opened with a neck-and-neck affair as Benilde and Letran were tied at 8 before the former made a 4-0 run led by Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go. The Lady Blazers then continued to hold off the Lady Knights and led 19-14 heading into the final moments of the game as Wielyn Estoque and Aya Densing joined the scoring party for the Taft-based crew.
Niccen Colendra's late-game efforts stalled Benilde's win as they trailed 23-16 before Densing put Benilde at match point. Letran, however, made three more to inch closer, 24-19, but Cristy Ondangan put the exclamation point and sealed the victory.
"Ito ang hinihintay natin. Masarap kasi nito lang kami natalo, then nakabalik, nakapag-adjust. 'Yung journey namin patungo sa championship talaga, 'yun ang the best. Ang haba ng serye. Nakita n'yo kung paano kami nag-struggle, then nakabalik," head coach Onyok Getigan said.
Ondangan had 13 points built on 10 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Clydel Catarig had 11 points in the Game 2 victory. Two-time MVP Go, who was also named as Finals MVP, had nine points and nine receptions.
Vanessa Sarie and Judiel Nitura had 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Knights.
Benilde’s title run dates back to Season 97 in 2022.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
