De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde opened its bid for its fourth straight title with a win against Arellano University, 25-18, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17, Thursday in the opening day of NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos gym in Manila.
The Lady Blazers had a 24-22 lead in the third set before the Lady Chiefs made a 4-0 run led by Laika Tudlasan to steal the set.
Arellano led early in the fourth set 6-3 before the Taft-based squad took over and claimed a 7-6 lead. It was all Benilde from there as they took control en route to its first win of the season.
Despite the third set hiccup, Benilde head coach Jerry Yee said the experience will help his squad get better.
"Kailangan natin ng playing time, two rounds 'yan, mahaba 'yung league.Gusto ko ng playing time for everybody para mag-build up para eventually, sino nating kailangan maipasok, kaya and hindi na bago sa pakiramdam," head coach Jerry Yee said.
The win also extended Benilde's winning streak to 41 since 2020.
Veteran Mycah Go led the Lady Blazers with 17 points from 15 attacks, while Mary Grace Borromeo and Zam Nolasco added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Chenae Basarte also had 19 excellent sets.
Tudlasan led the Lady Chiefs with 17 points, while Fhaye Mangubat added nine points.
Benilde will face Jose Rizal University on March 1, while Arellano will play Lyceum of the Philippines University on Saturday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
