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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Benilde captures volley tiara

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THE College of St. Benilde Lady Blazer finally reached the Promised Land after a 17-year journey.

Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa got past the defending champion San Sebastian Lady Stags’ tight floor defense in the fourth set and handed the Lady Blazers their first-ever women’s crown in the 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament.

They scored the winning spikes after Lady Stag main tosser Grethcel Soltones rejoined her team following a long rest in the fourth set, allowing the Lady Blazers to end a title drought which started when CSB first joined the league in 1998.

It was also their first successful title conquest following runner-up finishes in 2008 and 2009.

Navarro led the Lady Blazers with 18 points, her kill sailing past Soltones and pushing the Recoletos spikers ahead, 23-21.

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Soltones, who had 19 points, made an effort to keep the Lady Stags in the thick of the fight. Her placement shot past Finals MVP Jeanette Panaga kept the Lady Stags close, 22-23. But a service error by Joy Corpuz denied the Baste Spikers another chance to keep up with CSB, 22-24.

In the next play, a drop shot from Ranya Musa from the middle went past frontliners  Joyce Sta. Rita and Vira Guillema, sending the CSB and their supporters into a frenzied celebration.

“Yes, historic moment ito, finally. Sabi ko sa kanila, marami puwede mangyari ngayong araw. Either umuwi kaming luhaan o gagawa kami ng history para sa CSB at sa NCAA. Sa sobrang tiyaga, lahat binigay nila. Kaya, happy ako,” said CSB coach Michael Carino.

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