COLLEGE of Saint Benilde (CSB) Lady Blazers recovered from its opening-day setback with a 25-19, 18-25, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park.
The Lady Blazers responded strongly after dropping their tournament opener to the University of the East, overcoming a second-set loss to secure their first win of the competition in one hour and 37 minutes.
Benilde took control in the deciding fourth set, building a 17-8 advantage before holding off a late push from Letran to close out the match.
Middle blocker Arianna Pua spearheaded the Lady Blazers with 19 points, highlighted by 13 attacks, three blocks and three service aces. She also delivered two important kills during Benilde’s fourth-set surge.
Fionna Inocentes added seven points, while Grace Borromeo and Mhonniecka Soliven contributed 10 apiece. Team captain Zen Basilio orchestrated Benilde’s offense with 13 excellent sets.
Benilde head coach Jerry Yee said the team’s adjustments were relatively simple, with the primary goal of giving more players valuable exposure.
“Adjustment is kaunti lang, ikot ng tao, ganon lang. Ang habol talaga namin is exposure for all na maglaro lang,” Yee said.
Yee also acknowledged that the team still has plenty of work to do despite the victory.
“Wala pa, hilaw pa; hindi pa kami masaya. Pero ganon talaga, kailangan naming maging patient,” he added.
Letran received a strong performance from Judiel Nitura, who scored 18 points in her season debut. Rheina Merwa added 16 for the Lady Knights. The loss dropped Letran to 0-2 in the tournament. (Adrian Co)
