WIELYN Estoque dropped 19 points as College of Saint Benilde punched a ticket to the Final Four with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-8 walloping of Mapua in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Estoque continued to display her fine form for the Lady Blazers, who have won 36 consecutive matches, firing four service aces and collecting six digs.

Benilde improved to 7-0 overall in the season.

Gayle Pascual matched Zam Nolasco’s three blocks to finish with 12 points while Jessa Dorog contributed eight points and nine digs.

Earlier, Arellano University brushed off a sluggish start to beat University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-12, and keep its bid to make a return trip to the Final Four alive.

The Lady Chiefs, who are now tied with the Lady Cardinals and the Lady Altas in fourth place at 4-3, are determined to avoid last year’s late season meltdown.

“Ang lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila kung ano ang kahalagahan ng game na ito (versus Perpetual). Kung sino ang mananalo sa laban na ito, ito ang possible na makapunta sa pang-apat,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier.

Pau de Guzman had three service aces and two blocks to finish with 17 points, Laika Tudlasan added 16 points, including two service aces, while Fhaye Mangubat chipped in 14 points, including two blocks for the Lady Chiefs.

The Lady Altas saw their two-match winning streak snapped despite another solid outing by last season’s MVP Mary Rhose Dapol, who logged 20 points and 12 receptions. Shai Omipon hammered 14 kills.

In the men’s division, reigning MVP Louie Ramirez had 15-of-30 kills and 12 receptions as holders Perpetual secured a ticket to the Final Four after defeating Arellano, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23, extending its perfect run to seven matches.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado