Benilde starts campaign strong with sweep of Perpetual

De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde opened its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a statement win, routing University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25-19, 25-13, 25-18, in the opening-day curtain-raiser on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 2023 women’s division champions immediately signaled their intent to reclaim the throne they surrendered last season—and what better way to start than by dominating their NCAA rivals, the Lady Altas.

Cheanae Basarte spearheaded a backbreaking 6-0 run to open the third and final set, capping her service stint with an ace. That early burst laid the foundation for a commanding finish, with Rhea Mae Densing delivering two kills to stretch the lead to 22-13—an advantage that paved the way for victory in just one hour and nine minutes.

"To be honest, parang nag-start pa lang kami eh. Kasi 'yung calendar namin katatapos lang and we're finishing off some tournaments lang. Pero ito, bagong tournament na agad, so halos hindi pa naman tayo nakakapag-prepare for the next season, for the next lineup," said head coach Jerry Yee, who has transformed Benilde into a well-oiled program. "So, ito, we're trying lineups, we're trying rookies."

Perpetual stayed competitive early, with senior Shai Omipon leading the charge, but once the reigning NCAA champions found their offensive rhythm, there was no stopping their onslaught. Middle blocker Zam Nolasco set the tone early, while Basarte also took matters into her own hands at times, catching the maroon-shirts’ defense off guard.

Nolasco was the only player in double figures, scoring 10 points off six attacks and four blocks. Still, all but one Lady Blazer who saw action tallied at least two points. Fellow middle blocker Cristy Ondagan chipped in eight points built on seven attacks and a block, while Clydel Catarig matched that output in just two sets.

Basarte finished with 16 excellent sets and six points, orchestrating a balanced Benilde offense that tallied 44 spikes compared to Perpetual’s 23.

Despite the team still being in a build-up phase, Yee expressed pride in his players’ mindset. "It's the girls, kumbaga, eager sila na maglaro. Eager sila na i-prove na tuluy-tuloy silang magiging winners. They try, they practice, they're very hardworking. 'Yan sila; the girls are the secret."

Benilde will aim for a second straight win when they face familiar foe Letran on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.

Omipon kept Perpetual in contention, especially in the third set, finishing with eight points on seven attacks and an ace. Pauline Reyes added six points, while Camille Bustamante contributed five off the bench.

The Lady Altas will try to bounce back quickly when they take on Adamson University this Sunday at noon.

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