By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Lady Blazers secured a return trip to the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball finals after eliminating the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25-18, 26-24, 25-21, in Game 2 of the semis at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Cam Bartolome, a former Bacolod Tay Tung High School standout, delivered a breakout performance, leading Benilde with 22 points, including a pivotal stretch in the third set as they wrapped up the best-of-three series at 2-0.

Zamanta Nolasco added 11 markers, while Clydel Catarig chipped in nine to support the balanced attack for the four-time defending champions Lady Blazers.

Despite controlling most of the match, Benilde faced a late challenge in the second set with the score tied at 24-all, but Bartolome responded with a crucial hit before firing an ace to put Benilde ahead two sets to none.

The third set remained competitive, with Perpetual drawing level at 18-all after a rally sparked by Shai Omipon.

However, Benilde unleashed a decisive run anchored by Shahanna Lleses to seal the win.

Benilde now awaits the winner of the other semifinal pairing between the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights and the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers to determine their opponent in the finals.

The Lady Red Spikers forced a do-or-die Game 3 of their Final 4 series following a 25-17, 21-25, 25-23, 25-21 upset over the Lady Knights in Game 2 in the second game.

The defeat was the first for the Lady Knights this season after sweeping their preliminary round matches and winning their quarterfinals match and semis series opener./ASC, WDJ