The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Lady Blazers forced a winner-take-all Game 3 after delivering a statement win, dominating the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Lady Knights in straight sets, 3-0, on April 8 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila City.
The Lady Blazers entered the match with sheer determination as they aimed to extend their title run and even the series, coming a step closer to clinching their fifth straight championship. Judiel Nitura started strong, scoring back-to-back points in the opening frame. Zam Nolasco and Camila Bartolome caught fire and fueled Benilde’s momentum as they pulled away from the Lady Knights, capturing the opening set, 25-18.
The second frame turned into a tight scoring duel. Bartolome ignited the action with an explosive attack, only to be immediately answered by Nitura’s off-the-block hit. Shekaina Lleses stepped up, energizing the Taft squad’s offense, while Vanessa Sarie’s back-to-back attacks kept the Lady Knights within striking distance. Nolasco’s consecutive attacks pushed the Lady Blazers to close the set, as Nitura attempted to halt the surge, but a decisive kill block by Nolasco closed the set, 25-21.
In the final set, the Lady Blazers dominated from the outset, with Fionna Inocentes spearheaded the offense through relentless attacks and blocks to set the pace. Bartolome and Catarig provided support, sparking a 5-0 run that put the Lady Knights on the back foot. The set remained tense down the stretch, with deadlocks and errors kept the outcome uncertain, but Inocentes’ timely hits and a late service ace, capped by Nolasco’s finishing kill, sealed a 27-25 victory, completing a 3-0 sweep for the Lady Blazers.
NCAA Season 101 MVP and Best Middle Blocker Nolasco earned Player of the Match honor after finishing with 19 points and a dominant presence at the net.
The Lady Blazers are set for a championship showdown against the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (CSJL) Lady Knights on April 10 at the same venue with a live telecast on Heart of Asia and the NCAA Philippines Facebook and YouTube pages.
Set Scores
Lady Blazers: 25-18, 25-21, 27-25
