ILOILO City – College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers ended University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses’ reign with a 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, 25-15 semifinals win in the 24th University Games women’s volleyball at the USA Gym here.
Klarisa Abriam, Gayle Pascual, Maritez Pablo, Jewel Lai, and Michelle Gamit took turns on offense as the Lady Blazers ousted the three-time defending champions Golden Tigresses on Friday night.
The Lady Blazers surged to a 14-9 early in the opening set but the Golden Tigresses rallied back and forced it to a tight match and held on to a 23-22 edge. Back-to-back hits from Abriam allowed the CSB to snatch the set from UST.
After surrendering the second set, the Lady Blazers jumped to a 12-6 lead in the third frame behind Gamit and Pablo.
Errors from the Golden Tigresses and hits from Abriam, Gamit and Pascual allowed the Lady Blazers to take a 2-1 set edge.
UST and CSB engaged in a tight battle in the fourth with the latter slightly on top at 16-13. The advantage grew further for the Lady Blazers with Pascual and Chelsea Umali spearheading the attack to complete the upset.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Lady Spikers made a quick work of the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-17, 25-15. Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz led the Lady Spikers attack./PN
