MANILA — De La Salle‑College of Saint Benilde outlasted Enderun Colleges in four sets, 21‑25, 27‑25, 25‑18, 25‑22, on July 21, 2026 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to notch their second win in the Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals. The Lady Blazers improved to a 2‑1 record while handing the Lady Titans their third straight loss.
A Comeback Forged in Set Two
Enderun seized early control with a sharp opening set, riding the attacks of Althea Botor to a 25‑21 win. The Lady Titans then appeared poised to grab a commanding two‑set lead when they reached set point at 24‑22 in the second. One swing away from a deep hole, CSB found its resolve.
The Lady Blazers staved off two set points with composure and then surged ahead. A Camila Bartolome kill and a costly Enderun attack error flipped the set, and CSB escaped 27‑25. The dramatic turnaround shifted all momentum to the side of the Lady Blazers, who never looked back.
Rookie Delivers Breakout Performance
Rookie Mhonniecka Joyce Soliven led the charge for CSB with 20 points built on 18 attacks and two aces. The young winger played with confidence that belied her experience, delivering crucial points whenever Enderun threatened to close the gap. She acknowledged the team remains a work in progress but expressed confidence in their upward trajectory.
Bartolome complemented Soliven’s output with 19 points, including four kill blocks that frustrated Enderun’s hitters. Mary Grace Borromeo and Fionna Marie Inocentes each added nine points, rounding out a balanced offensive effort. The Lady Blazers overcame 31 unforced errors to secure the win, showing grit over perfection.
Late Rally Falls Short for Enderun
Botor paced the Lady Titans with 16 points, while Jasmine Salvani and Aurea Alvaro added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Enderun fought back in the fourth set, trimming a six‑point CSB lead to a single point at 22‑21 on a Botor spike. The rally rekindled hopes of forcing a deciding fifth set.
CSB responded immediately with consecutive points from Bartolome and Soliven. Bartolome then delivered the match‑clinching crosscourt kill, sealing the one‑hour, fifty‑seven‑minute victory. The Lady Titans will aim to break their slump against guest team Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam on Wednesday.
Next Up: A Finals Rematch
The Lady Blazers face a quick turnaround, meeting the Letran Lady Knights on Wednesday in a rematch of the NCAA Season 101 Finals. The matchup carries added weight after CSB’s loss to UST earlier in the tournament. A win would solidify the Lady Blazers’ position heading into the tournament’s critical stages.
