BY ABBY TORALBA
DEFENDING champion College of St. Benilde ripped Arellano University 25-15, 25-21, 25-19 yesterday to clinch a Final Four slot in the 98th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at San Andres Sports Complex.
The Lady Blazers showed no mercy against the Lady Chiefs, their finals opponents last season, and rose to 8-0, thanks to Jade Gentapa who sizzled with 21 points.
Skipper Cloanne Mondonedo had 17 excellent sets and five markers, while opposite hitter Gayle Pascual scored 17 points along with 10 digs.
“May mga adjustments kami sa positioning, sa timing ng blocks, sa rules, so iyon nagawa naman nila ng tama and then hopefully magtuloy-tuloy,” CSB coach Jerry Yee said.
“Iyong ganyang mga terms (eliminations sweep) I don’t really promote sa mga girls so kami laro, kung may darating na kalaban, research natin, aralin natin then paghandaan natin,” he added.
Marianne Padillon and Robbie Matawadan combined for 15 points for Arellano, which slipped to 4-3.
Mapua University bolstered its semifinals drive after bringing down San Beda University 25-23, 25-19, 26-24.
