De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived a tough challenge from Mapua University, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14, 23-25, 17-15, in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball opener on Friday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Zam Nolasco posted a career-high 29 points to tow the Lady Blazers in the tight match.
It was uncharacteristic for the Taft-based squad, which has won four straight titles and at one point claimed 43 consecutive wins during that span.
The Lady Blazers were down 12-6 in the deciding set before scoring three straight points to inch closer. Mapua then broke the short dry spell with an Angelick Gavika point, but a block from Nolasco trimmed Benilde’s deficit anew.
Nadine Berces then put Mapua at match point before Benilde flexed its championship composure.
Francis Mae Flores salvaged one match point for Benilde, igniting a run that was followed by four straight points from Nolasco to take a 15-14 lead.
Raissa Ricablanca then tied the set anew, but Clydel Catarig reclaimed the lead for Benilde as Shekainah Lleses sealed the victory.
Benilde head coach Jerry Yee said he just let the players play, especially in the final moments of the game.
“Hinayaan ko na lang sila maglaro. Kung gusto n’yo kunin, kunin n’yo. Kung ayaw n’yo, wala tayong magagawa,” he said, while also admitting that their five-peat bid will be a challenging one, especially with new players coming in.
Nolasco, meanwhile, said she took it upon herself to push Benilde to the finish but credited her teammates as well for the clutch effort.
“Kanina po kasi parang sinabi niya (Yee) na hindi pa raw tapos ‘yung game pero natalo na kami. Tumatak po ‘yun sa’kin habang nasa labas pa po ako, sabi ko parang ayokong mangyari ‘yung naiisip ng lahat kasi sobrang down kami ng ilang points tapos five sets pa. Nung pumasok na ako, sabi ko gagawin ko ang lahat para makabawi,” Nolasco said.
“Thank you rin sa teammates ko na nagtiwala sa akin, nagtulungan kami para maipanalo ang game.”
Nolasco’s 29-point output was anchored on 24 attacks and four blocks, while Catarig and Camila Bartolome had 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Ricablanca, meanwhile, led Mapua with 26 points, while Berces added 12.
Benilde will face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA next on Sunday, while Mapua will go against San Sebastian College–Recoletos on Tuesday.
—GMA Integrated News
