COLLEGE of Saint Benilde stopped the two-game winning streak of neighboor De La Salle, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, to boost its semifinal chances in the men’s division of the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Collegiate Conference on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.
After a frustrating three-set loss to UP last Wednesday, the Blazers regained their winning ways right away with Vince Abrot leading the charge and hitting the three of the last five points to seal the pivotal win and force a triple tie at fourth place with Adamson and FEU, holding identical 4-3 win-loss records.
Abrot finished with game-high 22 points built on 18 kills, two blocks, and as many as aces to beat their Taft Avenue neighbors, who were brimming with confidence from a huge upset over NU last Wednesday.
“Sabi ko sa mga bata, mataas ang morale ng kalaban tinalo nila ‘yung NU at malaki ‘yung confidence na nakuha nila,” said CSB head coach Arnold Laniog. “Siguro sa tatlo naming panalo, dito sa pang-apat ako pinaka-satisfied. Nakita ko na maganda ‘yung ginalaw ng lahat ng players ko.”
Roniey Adviento and skipper Francis Basilan delivered 11 hits apiece, while Owen Bacani added nine markers including 29 excellent receptions. Libero Ajian Paul Dy was also instrumental with 15 receptions and nine digs, highlighted by the lucky game-winning dig that led to a miscommunication on La Salle’s side.
La Salle did not only lose its two-game winning streak, but also blew its chance to enter the semis with a 2-5 record.
Geraint Bacon had 17 points for the Green Spikers, Cris Dumago delivered 12 points including 18 excellent receptions, while Kieffer Reyes added 10 in a losing cause.
St. Benilde takes on FEU next for the solo fourth place on Wednesday at 12 noon, while La Salle battles also-ran University of Perpetual Help (1-5) on the same day at 10 a.m.
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