COLLEGE of St. Benilde is one win away from returning to the finals after it turned back two-time champion University of Perpetual Help, 26-24, 17-25, 25-20, 25-22, on Monday in the 98th NCAA women's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
Jeanette Panaga finished with 20 points, while Jannine Navarro and Therese Veronas added 16 and 13 markers apiece for the Lady Blazers, who last made it to the title series in 2009 when they bowed to San Sebastian.
CSB and Arellano are both 1-0 in the single round semifinals match and only need one more win to reach the finals.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin ang bawat galaw ng kalaban, pinag-aralan talaga namin sila,” said St. Benilde coach Michael Cariño. “At least 'yung mga pinaghirapan namin nag pay off.”
St. Benilde next takes on San Sebastian College.
"Uhaw na uhaw kasi sila sa panalo kaya sobrang laking break ito para sa mga bata," he said.
Honey Tubino had 20 points for Perpetual Help, while reigning MVP Norie Jane Diaz added 13.
The two-time defending champion Lady Altas need to win their match against Arellano on Friday to stay alive in the tournament.
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