Blazers complete Champs League semis cast

MANILA, Philippines — College of Saint Benilde caught the last bus to the playoffs with a big win against PGJC Philippine Navy at the close of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League eliminations Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Blazers had to dig deep though in scoring a 26-24, 25-22, 14-25, 25-22 win to join Cignal HD, Iloilo D’Navigators and VNS Asereht in the semifinals.

Saint Benilde lost to Cignal HD in the opener but bagged two crucial wins in a row to finish No. 2 in Pool A with a 2-1 won-lost record and dodge complications of making the next round with Savouge (1-2) and Navy (0-3).

“This was big for us as it dictated our playoff fates,” said coach Arnold Laniog, whose wards avoided a three-way tie at 1-2 with also-ran Savouge and Navy.

Jacob Herrera and Mike Balbacal fired 12 points each while James Marasigan chipped in 11 to lead the Blazers’ march to the playoffs.

Saint Benilde will face unbeaten Pool B leader Iloilo while Pool A topnotcher Cignal HD and VNS duke it out in the other semifinals pairing of the PNVF tiff backed by PLDT, Ayala Land, Nuvali, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports+, Mikasa, Senoh, Foton, Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Blazers vowed to give the D’Navigators a run for their money despite being the underdog.

“We joined the PNVF for exposure and experience,” Laniog said. “It’s a reward to be in the semifinals.”