ROSSAN Fajardo unloaded a career-high 25 hits as College of Saint Benilde escaped with a come-from-behind 16-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-10 win over reigning five-time champion San Sebastian College at the start of the semifinals of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament Monday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.
The Lady Blazers, runners-up in the last three seasons, scored 34 points off the Lady Stags’ miscues which gave them the first victory in the event supported by Mikasa and Asics.
In the second match, elimination round topnotcher University of Perpetual Help System Dalta turned back Letran, 25-20, 25-13, 25-15.
The Lady Blazers and Lady Altas will try to arrange a best-of-three finals showdown with another victory on Friday.
Sandra delos Santos sizzled with 13 hits, including two blocks, while April Ann Sartin added 11 points, including five service aces, for Perpetual Help.
San Sebastian last led in the fourth frame, 20-19, with Bonsai Mirasol connecting with a quick hit when Fajardo took charge at the net for St. Benilde to send the game to a deciding set.
An error by Lady Stags hitter Elaine Cruz gave the Lady Blazers an 11-6 advantage and never looked back.
Fajardo, who filled in the shoes of Katty Kwan who graduated last season, contributed four service aces and a block.
Giza Yumang added 12 points and Cindy Optana had 11 hits for the Lady Blazers.
Elaine Cruz topscored with 23 hits, including three blocks, while reigning MVP Joy Benito added 18 points and 18 digs for San Sebastian.
“I’m happy na naging focused sa paglalaro ang mga bata, na-overcome na nila yung attitude na kapag down na sila, bigla na lang susuko. At maganda ang communication nila sa floor,” said St. Benilde mentor Thelma Barina-Rojas.
In men’s semis, Jophius Banang fired 25 points as elimination round topnotcher Arellano University nipped San Beda College, 21-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18, 19-17.
Marcelo Joaquin and Aldwin dela Cruz combined for 26 hits to lift Perpetual Help to a 25-20, 25-13, 25-16 triumph over titleholder Letran. (TJ)
