College of Saint Benilde secured the final spot in the semifinals of the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge, blasting fellow NCAA contender Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-23, 25-11, 25-20, on Wednesday night at Paco Arena in Manila.
The defending champion Lady Blazers wrapped up their elimination round with a 3-3 record, tying with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. However, they clinched the fourth and final semifinal slot by edging the latter in points, 10-9.
It was a dominant performance by the reigning NCAA champions, who racked up 37 attack points against the Lady Pirates in a swift one-hour, 12-minute contest.
Wielyn Estoque led the charge with 11 points, including 10 spikes, while promising newcomer Mary Grace Borromeo contributed seven key points, all from well-timed attacks that neutralized Lyceum's defense.
"I'm so happy. We have a new group; we have new combinations. So, 'yun 'yon. Nung start we were trying kung ano man 'yung combination na kailangan namin. And then, ito, nakasabit pa kami. Thankful kami na ganon," said long-time St. Benilde coach Jerry Yee.
However, the Lady Blazers will face a tough challenge in the best-of-three semifinals against the league-leading UST Golden Spikers. The series begins next Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Yee, however, remains optimistic and views the matchup as an important opportunity for his team to grow.
"Masaya kasi maganda for us, para sa program, at sa pinaghirapan ng girls. We're excited na andito kami. Malalim 'yung UST, so itong mga ganitong tournaments medyo mabigat talaga. Loaded talaga 'yung UAAP; minsan may FSA's pa sila, medyo dehado 'yung NCAA teams," he said.
"We'll just play our game and kung saan man kami umabot, eh 'di happy naman," said Yee.
Meanwhile, Lyceum closed out its campaign without a win in six games.
Johna Dolorito continued her strong leadership with 10 points, while two-time NCAA Best Setter Venice Puzon tallied five excellent sets and added an ace.
