Lady Blazers stretch NCAA win streak to 40

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde opened its campaign for a fourth consecutive crown with a 25-18, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17 victory over Arellano University in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament on Thursday at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos gym in Manila.

The Lady Blazers also stretched their winning streak to 40 games which started on Jan. 10, 2020, with a win against University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 95.

After two error-plagued sets, Arellano University came alive in the third canto and walked away with a 26-24 victory behind the heroics of Kacelyn Punzalan, Laika Tudlasan and Fhaye Mangubat.

However, the reigning champions regained composure in the fourth set and secured the win with a Zamantha Nolasco's crosscourt hit.

Starting the centennial season strong, Mycah Go led the scoring for the Lady Blazers with 17 points.

Mary Grace Borromeo and Nolasco added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Chiefs, meanwhile, made 34 errors in the match while Lady Blazers only tallied 16.

College of Saint Benilde remained the favorite to win the crown this season despite the departure of key players Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, and Mich Gamit, who are now playing in the professional league.

Still, with holdovers like Go, Chenae Basarte, Clydel Catarig, Jessa Dorog, Kim Estenzo, Wielyn Estoque, Fiona Getigan, Zam Nolasco, and Cristy On-dongan, the Lady Blazers remained formidable in the league.

In the other opening day game, the men's volleyball team of Saint Benilde also outplayed Arellano University, 25-22, 27-25, 27-29, 25-19.

The Blazers were led by Chris Villanueva who scored 25 points.

Marc Magcaling and Jacob Herrera added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, drew 12 points from Carl Berdal and 10 points from Daniel Agovida.

The defending champion for the men's division is University of Perpetual Help which will have its season debut on Saturday against San Beda.