The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Blazers recovered from a two-game losing streak while the Lady Blazers preserved their momentum against the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals and Lady Generals, 3-2 and 3-0, respectively, today, April 26, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Blazers started strong and cruised through the first two sets, 25–16 and 25–17. However, the third set turned into a heated tug-of-war, with the Generals narrowly escaping to stay alive, 23-25. The Taft squad caught up for most of the fourth frame as EAC stayed a step ahead. Just when the Blazers managed to tie the score, 18-18, the Paco crew answered with a crucial 4-point run to force a deciding fifth set, 21-25.
The Generals led for most of the set until rookie standout Rocky Motol took the window with back-to-back hits that trimmed their lead, 10-12. However, a crucial error by Motol misfired into the net to send the set to 15-15. Thankfully, team captain Arnel Aguilar rose to the occasion by sealing the thriller for the Blazers, 17–15.
Fresh off the Blazers’ gritty win, the Lady Blazers stepped in to face the Lady Generals. While the opening set found the ladies in green and white struggling to find their rhythm against a redemption-hungry EAC with Alex Razonable at the helm. The Lady Blazers remained composed to chip away at a 6-point deficit to tie the match as Zam Nolasco took charge to steer a stunning 7–2 run to snatch the set.
Riding that momentum, Benilde answered EAC’s spirited opening with a commanding finish. The Lady Blazers demolished the Lady Generals' defense to secure the victory with a clean sweep, 25-12 and 25-10, respectively.
Motol powered the Blazers with 24 points, while Nolasco led the Lady Blazers with 16 markers built on 13 attacks and 3 blocks.
The Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers will face the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags and Lady Stags on May 3 with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores:
Blazers: 25-16, 25-17, 23-25, 21-25, 17-15
Lady Blazers: 25-22, 25-12, 25-10
