MANILA, Philippines — Four-time defending champion College of Saint Benilde survived a nerve-wracking five-set match against Mapua University, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14, 23-25, 17-15, to open its NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament with a victory on Friday afternoon at the San Andres Complex in Malate, Manila.
Zam Nolasco fired 29 points on 28 attacks and a block to lead St. Benilde to victory. In the deciding frame, the Lady Cardinals held a match-point advantage, 14-10, before rookie Mae Flores scored a point to jumpstart an endgame rally by the Lady Blazers.
Nolasco then took over the game and scored four straight points to give St. Benilde a 15-14.
Mapua’s go-to gunner Raissa Ricablanca retaliated and tied the set at 15-all. However, after a long rally, Clydel Catarig and Shekaina Lleses scored back-to-back points give St. Benilde the victory.
Catarig and Camilla Amor Bartolome finished with 18 and 16 points, respectively while Sheikaina and Shahanna Lleses chipped in 10 points each.
Mapua was led by Ricablanca’s 27-point output but it was not enough to post an upset win against the defending champs.