St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde’s two-week wait to showcase its wares resulted in a 25-15, 25-16, 25-20 victory over Philippine Coast Guard as the Blazing Builders flexed their muscles early then held sway to down the Lifesavers in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena on Friday.
After a pair of easy set wins, Benilde coach tried out new combinations in the third, enabling the Lifesavers to strike within striking distance at 18-20. But Adriane Austero, Reiven Valera and Joseph Reolalas took over for Benilde to end the game in just 74 minutes in Pool C play.
“Sabi ko naman every time na mag-fill in kami ng kung sinong player, dapat hindi magbabago ‘yung momentum. Eh medyo nag-iba nagpasok ako ng second-stringers dahil ito ‘yung chance nila para ma-expose since first game rin para sa mga susunod mas ready sila,” said Benilde coach Arnold Laniog.
Arnel Aguilar led the Blazing Builders with 12 points and eight excellent receptions while Jacob Herrera finished with 10 points and Valera added seven points in two sets, Mike Balbacal chipped six points and Bryle Gomez tallied 14 receptions.
Kevin Dela Vega and Lerry Francisco paced the Lifesavers, who fell to 0-2, with seven and six points, respectively.
Benilde, meanwhile, will have another long break before returning to action on Nov. 12 against Davies Paint-Adamson while Coast Guard resumes its bid for the elusive win against powerhouse Cignal on Wednesday.