Cam Bartolome exploded for 23 points to lead College of Saint Benilde past San Beda University, 25-14, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, September 12. The win kept Benilde’s semifinal hopes alive.

The victory at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City lifted Benilde to a 2-3 record, tying San Beda in fifth place. Both teams remain in the thick of the playoff race with several matches left to play.

Bartolome Headlines Benilde’s Balanced Attack

Bartolome, NCAA Season 101’s reigning top rookie, put on a complete performance, finishing with 19 kills, three blocks, and a service ace to go with her 23 points. Her play set the tone for Benilde across all four sets.

Fionna Inocentes and Arianna Pua backed her up with four blocks apiece, adding 15 and 12 points, respectively. Mhonniecka Soliven rounded out Benilde’s double-digit scorers with 11 points and 12 digs.

San Beda Gets Offense From Bachar, Parumog

Janelle Bachar paced San Beda with 14 points despite the loss. Aiezel Parumog chipped in 12 points after entering as a second-set substitute, while Daisy Cagas added 10 points, 17 receptions, and six digs.

Isay Culanay, fresh off a tournament-high 13 blocks in a five-set win over University of the East last Wednesday, was held to eight points and two blocks. The San Beda Taytay rookie’s quieter follow-up stood in contrast to her breakout showing days earlier.

Benilde returns to action against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on Sept. 19 in another must-win match. San Beda, meanwhile, faces a tough test against unbeaten Arellano University on Sept. 20.