MANILA – College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers cruised to its eighth straight win in the NCAA Season 94 women’s volleyball after a 25-16, 25-11, 25-11 sweep over Mapua University Lady Cardinals on Monday at San Juan Arena.
Rachel Austero led the way with 19 points, including four blocks. Marites Pablo added 12 markers while Chelsea Umali and Jan Daguil had nine markers each for the Lady Blazers.
With 8-1 win-loss slate, the Jerry Yee-mentored Lady Blazers are assured of second place heading into the playoffs regardless of the result of the match between Arellano University Lady Chiefs (8-0) and San Beda University Lady Red Spikers (7-1).
A three-way tie at 8-1, which will happen if Lady Red Spikers beat the Lady Chiefs, will still keep Arellano and the Lady Blazers at 1-2 spot and twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals due to higher quotient.
A win by the Lady Chiefs, however, will be beneficial for the Lady Blazers as it will turn the Final Four to a step-ladder format and giving them a bye until after the knockout match between the No. 3 and No. 4 seed team.
University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas, meanwhile, secured at least a playoff for the last semifinals berth after a quick work of the skidding San Sebastian College Lady Stags, 25-19, 25-8, 18-25, 25-17.
Jowie Albert Versoza top-scored with 15 points with all but one coming off attacks while adding 13 digs for the Lady Altas (5-3), which hopes to clinch the semifinals seat with a win over Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers last Thursday.
In case, the Lady Altas loses to the Lady Bombers, there will be a playoff for the last semis seat between the two squads. The Lady Stags suffered its fourth straight loss to bow out of contention./PN
