St. Benilde boosts quarterfinals bid in Spikers' Turf after turning back Arellano

COLLEGE of St Benilde toughened up on defense in turning back Arellano University, 25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 25-18, to boost its bid for a quarterfinals berth in the Spikers' Turf Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan on Wednesday.

Skipper Johnvic de Guzman led the Blazers with 20 points, while Racmade Etrone and Ron Julian Jordan added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Guest player Francis Basilan had nine points, including five blocks of the team’s total of 19.

“Last time kasi wala kaming service receive and at the same time 'yung mga open hitter ng kalaban natsi-check namin pero hindi consistent,” said CSB coach Arnold Laniog.

“Itong training namin nag-focus kami sa service receive and sa defense namin,” he added.

Last year’s NCAA runner-up improved to a 2-1 record for a share of second spot with UP after previously losing to University of the Philippines, 11-25, 19-25, 25-18, 22-25.

“Pumunta kami rito na may kumpiyansa, na angat kami when it comes to experience and exposure,” said Laniog. “Pagdating dito (sa venue), unang-unang sinabi ko sa kanila na once matalo natin ang Arellano sure na tayo sa quarterfinals, maka-advance tayo may additional tayo na four games, and may additional exposure para dun sa mga players na ine-expose namin. Pero not to pressure, laruin nyo pa rin kasi nagpunta tayo rito para ma-expose.”

Lawrence del Espiritu had 14 points for Arellano, which remained winless in three outings.