Defending champion College of Saint Benilde kicked off its three-peat bid with a 25-15, 25-14, 25-23 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Sunday in Season 99 National Collegiate Athletic Association women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

This is the Lady Blazers' 30th straight victory dating back to Season 95 in 2020.

Saint Benilde was last beaten back in 2019 in the Final Four by University of Perpetual Help.

Michelle Gamit led Saint Benilde with 10 points while Jade Gentapa, Weilyn Estoque and Season 98 Finals Most Valuable Player Gayle Pascual had eight points apiece.

Despite trailing 22-23 in the third set, the Lady Blazers were able to escape with a win after three consecutive errors from the Lady Generals, who were beaten in one hour and 23 minutes.

For veteran Mycah Go, who is returning after an anterior cruciate ligament last year, it's all about staying focused in the game.

"We are our opponents. It's up to us," Go said. "We want to improve. We have to avoid relaxing in games."

Catherine Almazan paced EAC with 12 points in a losing effort.

In the second game, Perpetual whipped Jose Rizal University, 25-14, 25-14, 25-21 to start its campaign on a high note.