College of Saint Benilde Triumphs Over Philippine Army in PNVF Champions League Opener

MANILA – The College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers emerged victorious in their Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League women’s tournament debut, overcoming the Philippine Army with a hard-fought 16-25, 25-16, 25-27, 25-14, 15-9 win at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Wielyn Estoque, Jhasmin Gayl Pascual, and Zamantha Nolasco led the Blazers with 17 points each, securing the victory in the final two sets of the match, which lasted two hours and 11 minutes.

The Philippine Army Lady Troopers, despite a valiant effort, faced their second consecutive defeat in the tournament. Honey Royse Tubino spearheaded the Army’s attack with 16 points, including one service ace, while teammates Audrey Kathryn Paran, Nerissa Bautista, and Lutgarda Malaluan each contributed 11 points. The Lady Troopers had previously fallen to Petro Gazz in straight sets (11-25, 19-25, 19-25) the day before.

In other tournament action, Cignal HD secured a win against Cherry Tiggo with scores of 28-26, 25-19, 27-26, thanks to standout performances by Vanessa Gandler and Frances Xinia Molina. Gandler tallied 12 attacks and three service aces, while Molina added 10 attacks and two aces to the team’s total. Mylene Paat led Cherry Tiggo Crossovers with 16 points.

The PNVF Champions League continues this Wednesday, featuring a matchup between CSB and Cherry Tiggo at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Army facing off against Cignal HD at 6 p.m. The tournament, endorsed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, is broadcast live on One Sports and One Sports+ and is also available for livestreaming on Pilipinas Live, with delayed broadcasts on Cignal.