Defending champion Baguio College of Technology and the University of the Cordilleras remained undefeated after securing separate straight-set victories in the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) Season 36 women’s volleyball tournament.
The BCT Lady Atoms improved to 2-0 after dismantling the Cordillera Career Development College Lady Admirals, 25-9, 25-7, 25-20 as Shery Mae Estal led the charge for the defending champions, finishing with 15 points anchored on 13 attacks.
While the first two sets were dominant, the Lady Atoms faced a brief scare in the third.
After BCT veterans moved to the bench to give the rookies playing time, a 22-10 lead nearly evaporated with the Lady Admirals mounting a late rally to cut the deficit to 23-20 before BCT finally closed out the match.
“We tried to play the rookies so they could get a feel for the level of competition in the BBEAL, but they seemed nervous,” said BCT coach Jun Nisperos in Filipino.
Nisperos, who is eyeing a fourth consecutive title for the Harrison Road-based squad, emphasized the need for his younger players to settle in before their upcoming showdown with the erstwhile rival University of Baguio Lady Cardinals late in the season.
“UB has the height advantage,” Nisperos said. “But in terms of skills, I think we are evenly matched. It will come down to heart. Our rookies need to step up and find their rhythm.”
Team captain and setter Abegail Cunanan added the team is also reeling from the loss of their top scorer Jasmynne Joyce Polon who recently graduated, but emphasized the need for the players to step up, including the rookies to achieve their goal.
“Malaking kawalan talaga si ate JJ since siya Talaga yung pinaka main-man namin last year pero ok naman basta nag-iimprove lahat,” Cunanan added.
Meanwhile, the Lady Jaguars scrambled for points and trailed in the third set but found their groove late to secure another victory courtesy of the Benguet State University Lady Wild Cats, 25 – 11, 25 – 12, 25 – 21.
Ceilo Junio once again led the Lady Jaguars with her 11 points built on 10 attacks and a service ace while the Lady Wildcats leaned on Airiane Eve Tipayno with 10 points.
In the men’s division, UC earlier topped CCDC in straight sets, 25-16, 25 – 13, 25 – 21; while UB made short work of BSU 25-18, 25-22, 25 – 12. Roderick Osis