College of Saint Benilde cruised to its third straight victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, sweeping debuting Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Kai Lleses powered the Lady Blazers to the solo lead at 3-0 with 10 points built on eight attacks and two aces, spearheading a balanced offense that wrapped up the match in just one hour and 14 minutes. The outside hitter also tallied eight digs and six excellent receptions in a near-flawless outing for the 2023 champions.
"Ang initial plan lang namin is 'yung system namin, na sundin at gawin nang tama. Kasi kung kakabahan sila, siyempre, hindi nila magagawa nang tama 'yung mga dapat nilang gawin. 'Yun lang naman talaga 'yung pinag-uusapan namin; 'yung dapat consistent lang," said assistant coach Corrine Apostol on their game plan against a revamped Blue Eagles squad.
Benilde dictated the tempo early with setter Chenae Basarte orchestrating the offense and taking advantage of Ateneo’s shaky first-ball reception. Basarte finished with 17 excellent sets while adding three points, including two service aces.
The Blue Eagles showed flashes late in the first and second sets behind Zey Pacia’s steady scoring, but costly miscues proved their undoing.
Ateneo committed 27 errors overall, including three straight in the third set that effectively handed the match to Benilde.
Statistically, both teams recorded 35 attacks, but the Lady Blazers dominated at the net with seven blocks and imposed pressure from the service line with six aces.
Middle blockers Zam Nolasco and Cristy Ondangan chipped in nine points apiece, while Rhea Densing contributed five.
The Lady Blazers (3-0) will next clash with fellow unbeaten Adamson Lady Falcons (2-0) on Tuesday, August 9, at noon in the same venue.
"Actually hindi pa namin siya iniisip talaga kasi one game at a time lang tayo. Pero nag-start na sila mag-viewing at mag-aral ng individual stats ng Adamson yesterday," Apostol added, looking ahead to their matchup with the Lady Falcons.
For Ateneo, Pacia was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace.
Senior Gena Hora — one of only two holdovers from the Blue Eagles’ 2022 championship squad — came off the bench to add nine markers.
