College of Saint Benilde sweeps Ateneo for third straight win in 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge

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College of Saint Benilde continued its dominant run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, cruising to its third straight victory with a sweep of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-18, 25-18, 25-17, on Saturday, August 16, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

Kai Lleses powered the Lady Blazers to the solo lead at 3-0, finishing with 10 points from eight attacks and two aces. The outside hitter also tallied eight digs and six excellent receptions, leading the 2023 champions to close out the match in just one hour and 14 minutes.

Assistant coach Corrine Apostol credited the team’s composure, emphasizing consistency. “Ang initial plan lang namin is ‘yung system namin, na sundin at gawin nang tama. Kasi kung kakabahan sila, siyempre, hindi nila magagawa nang tama ‘yung mga dapat nilang gawin. ‘Yun lang naman talaga ‘yung pinag-uusapan namin; ‘yung dapat consistent lang,” she said.

Kai Lleses leads Saint Benilde with 10 points in their sweep of Ateneo in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge. [PVL Images]

Benilde’s balanced attack leads the way

Setter Chenae Basarte dictated the tempo with 17 excellent sets while adding three points, including two aces. Middle blockers Zam Nolasco and Cristy Ondangan also chipped in nine points apiece, while Rhea Densing added five.

Statistically, both teams recorded 35 attacks, but the Lady Blazers’ defense stood tall with seven blocks and six service aces. Ateneo faltered with 27 costly errors, including three straight in the decisive third set that sealed the match.

Ateneo shows promise despite errors

Despite the loss, Ateneo showed flashes of potential, led by Zey Pacia, who tallied 11 points from nine attacks, a block, and an ace. Senior Gena Hora, one of only two holdovers from the Blue Eagles’ 2022 title team, came off the bench to contribute nine points.

Saint Benilde (3-0) now turns its attention to an early showdown with fellow unbeaten Adamson Lady Falcons (2-0) on Tuesday, August 9, at Paco Arena. “Actually hindi pa namin siya iniisip talaga kasi one game at a time lang tayo. Pero nag-start na sila mag-viewing at mag-aral ng individual stats ng Adamson yesterday,” Apostol said.