MANILA, Philippines - St. Benilde battled back from two sets down and nipped San Beda, 24-26, 23-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-10, yesterday to move to joint second with defending champion Arellano U in the 91st NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Jeanette Panaga dished out a superb all-around game, finishing with 21 hits, including 12 attack points, six blocks and three aces, as the Blazers improved to 4-1 (win-loss), San Sebastian paces the field with a 5-0 mark.
Janine Navarro and Ranya Musa backed Panaga with 19 and 17 points, respectively.
“The girls showed character,” said St. Benilde coach Michael Carino after pulling off the come-from-behind win.
In men’s play, the Blazers downed the Lions, 25-16, 23-25, 25-18, 25-21, to likewise boost their stock.
But San Beda averted a shutout as its juniors team routed St. Benilde, 25-15, 25-14, 25-23.