Published May 17, 2025 7:31pm
Updated May 17, 2025 7:31pm
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde fended off a third-set scare from San Beda University to eke out a 25-23, 26-24, 25-23 win in the NCAA Season 100 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the EAC Sports and Cultural Center in Manila.
The Blazers, who have won four straight games since absorbing a shock loss to Jose Rizal University last April 22, improved to 12-2 while the Red Spikers dropped to 8-7.
Rocky Motol once again saved the day for Benilde, posting a team-high 23 points anchored on 17 attacks, five blocks, and one ace laced with 14 receptions while middle blocker John Austero churned out 11 markers.
A Motol attack sent Benilde to an 11-6 lead in the third frame before San Beda responded with a wild 10-3 blast that saw the tandem of Ryan Rosman and Ralph Cabalsa sending San Beda to a 16-14 cushion.
Motol took off from the back row to tie the game at 16-all. But a persistent San Beda side didn’t make things easier for Benilde as Axel Van Book came alive, notching back-to-back attacks that forced another stalemate at 21-all.
But Motol answered with a hammer of his own before Mike Balbacal unloaded a strong quick attack that handed Benilde the match point at 24-23. Lefty opposite hitter Jacob Herrera put the exclamation, firing from the right side to wrap it up.
San Beda, who was on a two-game winning streak before this match, leaned on Book’s 10 points and 12 receptions while Rosman finished with eight markers.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News