COLLEGE of Saint Benilde (CSB) finally barged into win column after turning back NCAA rival San Beda University, 21-25, 26-24, 25-8, 25-23, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Season 2 Collegiate Conference on Thursday at the Arena in San Juan City.
The Lady Blazers needed to buck a lethargic start from a first set lost and hang on tight in the Lady Red Spikers’ gallant stand in the fourth set before escaping with their first win in three matches.
Marites Pablo, sister of reigning PVL Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player Myla Pablo, led the way for CSB scattering 11 kills, four service aces and a block for game-high 16 points including 18 digs.
Klarisa Abriam and Chelsea Umali were also instrumental chipping in 15 and 13 points, respectively. Setter Jewel Lai made 30 excellent sets, while libero Melanie Torres protected the floor with 17 excellent receptions and 16 digs.
St. Benilde head coach Jerry Yee was satisfied with his first win with the Taft-based squad since he took over last April as the Lady Blazers improved to a 1-2 win-loss record at solo fifth place.
“Syempre lahat naman ng win importante diba lalo na ngayon,” Yee said. “I think we have to win four games no, eh ayon na nga two losses na tayo. We cannot lose na. So ayun laro lang, but then we are trying to see improvements kung meron.”
Yee, however, rued on their fourth set performance, where his wards squandered a 22-16 lead allowing the Lady Red Spikers to trim it within one, 24-23, before Diane Ventura came to the rescue and nailed the winning attack.
“Siguro ‘yun na nga, hindi pa tayo consistent, hindi pa tayo ganun katapang mag close out. Marami pang kailangan itrabaho yung team,” added the new Lady Blazers coach, who will be back on the drawing board for their August 11 match against the unscathed University of Santo Tomas.
Nieza Viray had an all-around effort tallying 19 points including 17 digs and 14 receptions for the Lady Red Spikers, who had 38 errors. China Tannagan and Kim Manzano added 12 and 11, respectively.
San Beda dropped to 0-3 card as it missed its star spiker Cesca Racraquin for the second straight game due to the left ankle injury she suffered last Tuesday’s practice.
Racraquin, who also sat out last Sunday’s loss to University of Santo Tomas due to sore left knee, said that she will return on the Lady Red Spikers’ next game against San Sebastian also on August 11.
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