The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers secured the series advantage in the NCAA Season 100 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Finals against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Lady Knights, 3-1, on June 8, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Nerves got the better of the defending champions in the opening set, as Letran’s Royce Dela Cruz and Gia Maquilang capitalized on the flurry of errors. Benilde’s Cristy Ondangan, along with Mycah Go, closed the gap with Letran, but Judiel Nitura and Vanessa Sarie held their ground, allowing the Lady Knights to escape, 26-28.

Rhea Densing opened the second set to atone for their previous errors with a decisive point, while Ondangan and Ash Lleses followed suit with back-to-back hits, 4-1. However, Sarie, Nitura, and Natalie Estreller trimmed down the lead to spark a neck-and-neck exchange. Taft Squad’s Zam Nolasco rose to the occasion, delivering decisive blows to complete their redemption arc and even the match, 26-24.

The third set opened in a familiar fashion in favor of Benilde with Wielyn Estoque fueling a fiery 5-0 run while Nolasco anchored the defense against the Lady Knights’ attempts to dictate the rhythm of the game. Go and Ondangan led the defiant stand, while Nolasco’s service ace secured the third set in favor of the Taft squad, 25-16.

The queens of the NCAA volleyball never looked back, weathering an early exchange of points. The Lady Knights attempted a rally in their favor with Dela Cruz and Maquilang launching a counteroffensive. Nevertheless, Clydel Catarig’s drop ball and Nolasco’s spectacular performance hammered the final nail in the coffin to draw first blood, 25-19.

Nolasco led the siege of Intramuros with 21 points on 12 attacks, 8 blocks, and a serve.

Set Scores:

Lady Blazers: 26-28, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19