Benilde nears crown

Lady Warriors claim V-L third-place honors

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde accomplished what’s needed to be done as it routed Far Eastern University, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16, yesterday to move on the cusp of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Challenge crown at the Paco Arena.

The proud NCAA champions were methodical in their destruction of the Lady Tams as the former’s guns clicked and their net and floor defense worked in time to seize a 1-0 lead in the short but meaningful best-of-three title showdown.

“Our defense, net defense at saka block, gumana,” said CSB assistant coach Jay Chua. “Sana gumana sa Game 2 or Game 3, sana andun pa din.”

Game Two is tomorrow while the deciding Game Three, if necessary, is on Sunday at the same venue.

Jade Gentapa unloaded 13 points while Jhasmine Gayle Pascual and Zamantha Nolasco chipped in 12 and 10 hits, respectively, as the Lady Blazers closed in on achieving their goal of becoming V-League champs.

“Mindset ng team manalo talaga at tyatyagain namin sa Game Two. Of course, paghahandaan kami ng FEU pero sana maglaro pa rin kami ng maayos para makuha namin ang championship,” said Chua.

Earlier, University of the East fought University of Perpetual Help tooth and nail in pulling off a 28-26, 25-23, 25-23 victory for the third-place honors.

Power-hitting Casiey Dongallo went on attack mode and unleashed a match-best 22 points including 20 spikes in powering the Lady Warriors to a feel-good podium finish.

“This is important for the self-esteem of the ladies and having just been practicing for two months, they did pretty well,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.

“I saw throughout this V-League season improvements not just individually but also collectively.”

While Dongallo took care of offense, Nogales led the job on defense as she came up with five blocks and finished with 14 hits.