CSB spikers stop Lady Knights run

MANILA, Philippines - St. Benilde ended Letran’s seven-game streak with a 25-14, 25-19, 25-19 victory yesterday to close in on a championship berth in the women’s division of the NCAA volleyball tournament at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

Giza Yumang and Katty Kwan scored 15 hits each while setter Ren Agero fired 11 hits to power the Lady Blazers, runners-up in the last two seasons, past the Lady Knights, who went into the match with a seven-win run.

Gena Andaya and Kriszelle Moraleojo paced Letran with nine and seven hits, respectively.

Reigning titlist San Sebastian likewise moved closer to the finals after it defeated Perpetual Help, 25-18, 25-13, 25-19.

Elaine Cruz smashed 13 hits while Joy Benito blasted 12 to lead the San Sebastian belles, who also drew strong net defense from Melissa Mirasol with five blocks.

It was sweet revenge for San Sebastian, which lost to Perpetual Help, 20-25, 20-25, 22-25, late in the elimination round.

In the high school semifinals, San Sebastian and Perpetual hurdled their respective opponents.

Reigning MVP PJ Rojas came away with 39 hits that included six aces, four blocks, as he single-handedly carried the Junior Stags to a 25-16, 19-25, 28-26, 25-10 triumph over the Junior Blazers.

The Junior Altas drew strength from John Erickson Francisco’s 28 hits and Wilfred Pelone’ 19 to turn back the Angeles U Foundation Junior Danes, 22-25, 25-14, 22-25, 25-19, 17-15.