Defending champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde hit the ground running for its three-peat bid with a masterful 25-15, 25-14, 25-23 win against Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The Lady Blazers have also extended their winning streak to 30 dating back to the unfinished Season 95 in 2020. The Lady Generals, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 0-1 slate.
The Lady Blazers, though, had to overcome a huge third set rampage from the Lady Generals en route to the victory.
An attack error from Krizzia Reyes saw Benilde enjoy a slim 19-17 lead before the wards of EAC head coach Rod Palmero unleashed a crucial 5-1 run to take a 22-20 cushion.
However, Gayle Pascual rose to the occasion and took care of the endgame.
The veteran opposite hitter nailed back-to-back points, including a service ace that tied things up at 22-all, but Reyes went throught the blockers to regain a one-point cushion for EAC.
A net error from the Lady Generals followed by an attack error from Alessandra Razonable, however, allowed Benilde to complete the win that also marked the return of former MVP Mycah Go.
Middle blocker Michelle Gamit led all scorers with 10 points while Pascual, Wielyn Estoque, and Jade Gentapa each poured in eight markers.
Cath Almazan paced EAC with 12 points anchored on 12 attacks and two aces while Reyes finished with six markers and four digs.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
