Pascual CSB’s Gayle Pascual tries to score off Arellano’s Pau de Guzman during their NCAA women’s volleyball match at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Blazers a win away

July 21, 2022 Theodore P. Jurado 359 views

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde hardly missed a beat despite a long lay-off, sweeping titleholder Arellano University, 25-21, 25-11, 25-10, to move on the cusp of completing a perfect season in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Gayle Pascual was in the zone with 17 points on 13-of-27 spikes to lead the mighty Lady Blazers in claiming the 1-0 series lead.

“Consistent naman siya, physically and psychologically,” said CSB mentor Jerry Yee on Pascual, who also had team-high three blocks.

“Lahat sila, yun ang ini-aim natin na pagdating ng game, mag-execute ng tama. Laro lang ng laro,” he added.

Michelle Gamit had two blocks for a 11-point outing, Mycah Go added eight points, 12 digs and four receptions, while Jade Gentapa also collected 12 digs to go with seven points for the Lady Blazers.

Second setter Chenae Basarte fired three of her team’s six service aces.

Unbeaten in 10 matches this season, CSB seeks to capture its second league title in Game 2 set at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the San Juan arena.

“Wala, zero pa rin. Kasi hindi pa rin tapos po ang season,” said Pascual. “Kahit nanalo kami ng Game 1, may Game 2 pa po. Siyempre, if possible may Game 3 pa po.

“So iniisip po talaga namin, zero pa rin kahit nananalo kami,” she added.

The Lady Blazers won their first championship in 2016 behind Jeanette Panaga, Jannine Navarro, Ranya Musa and Djanel Cheng.

With this present talented batch, CSB is looking good in reclaiming the throne.

Carla Donato led the Lady Chiefs with nine points, including two blocks, while Trina Abay hammered seven kills.

The Lady Blazers, who prior to the opener last played in July 9, were briefly challenged in the opening set.

Cess Bello’s kill gave Arellano a 12-11 lead before CSB finally got into the groove, as Go closed out the opening set with back-to-back points.

Game tomorrow

(Filoil Flying V Centre)
2 p.m. – Arellano vs CSB

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