De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde survived a tough challenge from Lyceum of the Philippines as the Lady Pirates pushed the defending champs into a five-setter, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 25-13, 15-9, on Saturday in the NCAA Season 98 women's volleyball tournament.
Benilde had the early advantage in the deciding set as it led 5-1 before LPU inched closer 9-8. The Intramuros-based squad scored just one more point before the green-and-white took control of the end game for their 23rd straight win since Season 95.
Jade Gentapa tallied 22 points off 21 attacks and an ace on top of 14 excellent digs, while Gayle Pascual added 20 of her own. Cloanne Mondoñedo proved to be crucial in Benilde's fifth win this season as she listed 10 points and 25 excellent sets.
Joan Doguna and Jhona Dolorito had 18 points each for the Lady Pirates, while Jaja Tulang added 17 points in the loss which brought them down to 3-2.
This is Benilde's first five-setter since the league returned to competition in Season 97. Last season, the Lady Blazers only dropped a set against Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, while for Season 98, the defending champs lost a set to San Sebastian College-Recoletos in their opening match.
Benilde, who played sans their head coach Jerry Yee, will face Mapua University while LPU will go against Emilio Aguinaldo College, with both games slated for Tuesday.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
