GO FOR BRONZE. College of Saint Benilde opposite Jessa Dorog (No. 17) tries to score against Letran's Judiel Nitura (No. 1) and Royce Dela Cruz (No. 3) in the Game 1 of the best-of-three series for the bronze medal in the Shakey's Super League National Invitationals at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Monday (July 15, 2024). College of Saint Benilde won, 25-21, 21-25, 16-25, 17-25. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)
MANILA – College of Saint Benilde bounced back from a first-set loss to prevail over Letran, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, in Game 1 of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals best-of-three battle for bronze series at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Monday.
Opposite spiker Clydel Catarig made 22 attacks while wing spiker Wielyn Estoque added 15 points on nine attacks, three blocks, and three service aces for the Lady Blazers, who also conquered the Lady Knights in the pool stage.
Rhea Mae Densing contributed 11 attacks and one block for CSB, which bowed to Far Eastern University in the knockout semifinal last Sunday.
The defending NCAA champion Lady Blazers will try to claim the bronze medal with another win over the Lady Knights on Tuesday.
“Each of our players was inspired to get back because yesterday when we lost, coach (Jerry Yee) told us what we lacked," said Catarig.
After winning the third set, the Lady Blazers tried to maintain their composure and wrapped up the match in two hours.
Wing spiker Gia Marcel Maquilang led the Lady Knights with 19 points on 16 attacks and three aces followed by opposite Marie Judiel Nitura, who had 12 attacks, and wing spiker Lea Rizel Tapang with eight points.
Meanwhile, unbeaten National University and FEU are playing in their finals series opener as of press time. (PNA)
