MANILA – College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers are back as NCAA women’s volleyball champions after completing a Season 97 sweep with a 26-24, 25-12, 25-9 beating of Arellano University Lady Chiefs in Game 2 of the Finals on Friday at Paco Arena.
Jhasmin Gayle Pascual top-scored for the Lady Blazers with 14 points, on 10 attacks, three blocks and a service ace to be hailed as NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player.
Jade Gentapa chipped in 11 points, 10 excellent digs and five excellent receptions, while Cristy Ondagan also hit double figures on offense with 10 points, including three blocks, for CSB.
Francis Mycah Go, who was hailed as the Season 97 MVP and 1st Best Opposite Spiker, ended with eight points, 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions, while Cloanne Mondonedo had 13 excellent sets and three points.
The feat was the Lady Blazers’ second overall NCAA women’s volleyball championship after copping the crown back in Season 91. It was their first time to sweep an entire season.
Just like in Game 1, the Lady Blazers were tested in the opening set as they trail 20-21 before Pascual fueled the Jerry Yee-mentored team with a 4-1 run to take a 24-23 lead.
The Lady Chiefs had its last stand in the set as they tied things up at 24, but an error from them followed by a conversion from CSB gave them a 26-24 set win.
The Lady Blazers, however, tightened its defense in the second set as they cruised to a quick double-digit advantage behind the offensive dominance of Ondangan.
The Lady Blazers went for the kill in the third set with Pascual spearheading a 12-2 start en route to completing its dethronement of three-peat champions Lady Chiefs.
Pauline de Guzman was the lone double-digit scorer for the Lady Chiefs with 10 points, including nine attacks, while Charmina Dino and Carla Donato combined for 11 markers./PN
