Defending champion College of St. Benilde regrouped after first-set meltdown, flipping the switch of Sunday for a 26-28, 26-24, 25-16, 25-19 victory over Letran in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball Finals, as the Lady Blazers moved on the cusp of a fourth straight title.

Zamantha Nolasco was most concerned when Benilde imploded in the first set, as she led the Lady Blazers on refocusing and keeping their eyes on the prize.

“We lacked the communication needed in the first set,” said Nolasco in Filipino after leading the Lady Blazers with 21 points, highlighted by 13 attacks, plus seven blocks and an ace. “It woke us up and began to apply the system that we normally use.”

The dependable middle blocker closed out the fourth set with a kill block on Vanessa Sarie and a power tip on a vacant spot at match point as the Lady Blazers gained a two-for-one chance at extending their dynastic reign.

Not over yet

Cristy Ondangan likewise starred for CSB with 14 points and a pair of aces, and team captain Mycah Go added 12 points that went with 16 receptions and eight digs.

Setter Chenae Basarte fluidly orchestrated their offense with 16 excellent sets.

“We just won the first game. It’s not over yet,” said Go, who is in her last year and has joined the PVL draft. “We have to review our lapses, especially in the first set, and see how we can improve in Game 2.’’

The Lady Blazers gun for the crown on Wednesday. And they obviously don’t want another tailspin in their bid to end the best-of-three showdown early.

“It will not be easy. We expect our opponent to give everything they have in the next game,’’ said CSB coach Rogelio Getigan Jr.

Carl Berdal fired 19 points built around 17 attacks while Adrian Villados had 18 excellent sets and seven points as the Arellano Chiefs walloped the Letran Knights, 27-25, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22, to seize the opener of the men’s titular series. INQ