Benilde stakes clean slate vs SSC

MANILA, Philippines — College of St. Benilde aims to keep a firmer grip of the lead while San Sebastian hopes to grab a piece of it as the two collide today in a clash of the league titans in the NCAA Season 97 volleyball at the Paco Arena.

The Lady Blazers have been unflappable at the helm after hurdling their first five assignments including a 25-17, 25-11, 25-12 rout of the Mapua Lady Cardinals Tuesday and could solidify their grip of the top spot with another win at 12 p.m. against the Lady Stags.

SSC, for its part, has shown it has the tools and talent to challenge for the crown this season as seen in its strong 4-1 start that included two character-building, come-from-behind five-set wins – the last coming at the expense of University of Perpetual Help, 24-26, 26-28, 25-20, 25-20, 17-15, Sunday.

CSB coach Jerry Yee said they have prepared hard for this game.

“We just work and prepare hard every game,” said Yee.

The Lady Stags are expected to ride on the shoulders of their top two hitters – MVP candidates Reyann Canete and Katherine Santos.

Canete and Santos, a super rookie, have been leading the league in scoring after piling up a total of 95 and 84 points, respectively.

But SSC coach Roger Gorayeb knows it would take nerves of steal to beat CSB.

“We just have to be consistent and tough for us to have a chance this year,” said Gorayeb, the most decorated among all NCAA coaches with 21 titles in women’s division alone.

Meanwhile, Mapua (3-2) battles San Beda (1-4) at 2:30 p.m.