College of Saint Benilde’s Zamantha Nolasco (No. 21) scores against San Sebastian College’s Princess Sofia Ramos (No. 3) in the NCAA Season 101 volleyball tournament at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila on Tuesday (March 3, 2026). The Lady Blazers rallied to beat San Sebastian, 25-22, 23-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-5. (NCAA photo)
College of St. Benilde and Arellano University pulled off gritty victories in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday, delivering dramatic five-set triumphs at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.
Zamantha Nolasco powered the Lady Blazers through a tense showdown, erupting for 28 points to lead St. Benilde past San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 25-22, 23-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-5. Nolasco dominated on both ends with 18 attacks, eight blocks, and two service aces, helping the Lady Blazers regain control after dropping the second and third sets.
Clydel Mae Catarig provided crucial support with 20 points, while Shekaina Redge Lleses added 15 markers. Camila Amor Bartolome chipped in 13 points and Cristy Ondangan contributed 10, as team captain Chenae Basarte orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets. The win boosted St. Benilde to an 8-3 record in Group A, keeping the Lady Blazers firmly in the playoff race.
San Sebastian leaned heavily on Juna May Gonzales, who delivered a game-high 27 points in a losing effort as the Lady Stags slipped to a 5-7 record.
In the other match, Arellano University mounted a stunning comeback to defeat San Beda University, 22-25, 19-25, 26-24, 25-17, 15-12, clawing back from a two-set deficit to secure its place in the Group B standings.
Samantha Gabrielle Tiratira anchored the Lady Chiefs’ rally with 15 points highlighted by seven blocks, providing a strong defensive presence at the net. Cassey Leona Florida and Marianne Lei Angelique Padillon each tallied 14 points, while Kheisha Alexa Abitria added 11 markers to help complete the turnaround.
San Beda’s Angel Mae Habacon paced the Lady Red Spikers with 21 points along with 10 receptions and seven digs. Janelle Bachar and Jermaine Ann Joniega added 19 and 12 points, respectively, but the Lady Red Spikers absorbed the tough defeat while still holding second place in Group B with a 9-3 record.
With the tournament heating up, both St. Benilde and Arellano showed resilience when it mattered most, pulling off comeback victories that could prove crucial as the race toward the NCAA Season 101 volleyball playoffs intensifies.