CSB rips Arellano, renews rivalry with SSC

College of St. Benilde asserted its might and dethroned defending champion Arellano University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, to clinch the remaining finals berth in the 91st NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan on Friday night.

The Lady Blazers banked on the heroics of Jeanette Panaga, who unloaded with 21 points built on nine kills, six blocks and six aces as they returned to the finals for the first time since 2009.

The victory also renewed St. Benilde’s championship rivalry against San Sebastian College, the same championship foe seven years ago.

San Sebastian advanced outright to the finals after sweeping the ninegame eliminations.

The Lady Blazers actually threaded through the eye of the needle reaching to the finals, beating the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas in the first round of the stepladder semifinals, before ousting the Lady Chiefs.

Janine Navarro also fired with 11 points for St. Benilde, which leaned on its superb service with 12 aces.

Only five players scored for Arellano with Cristine Joy Rosario and Jovielyn Prado topscoring with 13 points, each.