By el Amigo
MANILA — De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Letran made winning starts in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, with both teams surviving tough opponents in Mandaluyong City on Saturday.
Benilde recovered from a first-set loss to dispatch Mapua University in four sets, 19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21.
Betco emerged as the Blazers’ top offensive weapon, scoring 22 points from 18 attacks and four blocks. Motol also made a significant contribution with 14 points, while Villanueva kept the offense organized with 16 excellent sets.
Laniog acknowledged that Benilde entered the match with less-than-ideal preparation after the squad returned from Boracay. Still, the veteran coach said the players were expected to compete at full intensity regardless of the circumstances.
Mapua received a strong performance from Ramos, who finished with 16 points and 22 receptions. Reyes supplied 10 points and five digs in the Cardinals’ losing effort.
The Blazers are scheduled to meet Arellano University at 10 a.m. Sunday, with Mapua taking on De La Salle University at noon.
Meanwhile, Letran pulled off the day’s other five-set victory after rallying past National University, 29-31, 26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-11.
Lardizabal powered the Knights with 22 points, while Lopez added 17 as Letran overcame the defending UAAP champions in a tightly fought match.
ia/xf
