College of Saint Benilde took it slow before delivering the heavy blows to book a 26-28, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19 victory over Letran College in Game 1 of their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament finals series yesterday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Zam Nolasco supplied the firepower, leading the Lady Blazers to the convincing victory that put them on the verge of securing their fourth straight title.

Game 2 of this best-of-three finals series is set next Sunday, 15 June, at the same venue.

A third-year middle blocker, Nolasco patrolled the net with authority as she posted eight blocks, including the match-clinching rejection on Vanessa Sarie, triggering a wild celebration on the bench of Saint Benilde coach Jerry Yee.

Nolasco finished with 21 points while Cristy Ondangan chipped in 14 markers built on 12 attacks and two aces for the Lady Blazers, who have yet to lose the crown since beating Arellano University in the pandemic-hit Season 96 finals duel.

“Coach Jerry has been telling us to draw confidence on our defense so I’m glad that I was able to make the game-winning block,” said Nolasco, whose squad had a jittery first-set performance despite watching the Lady Knights commit 12 errors.

“Our confidence goes high whenever we block our opponents.”