Benilde stops JRU to stay alive in SSL Unity Cup

MANILA, Philippines — College of Saint Benilde turned back Jose Rizal University, 28-26, 25-16, 18-25, 25-22, for its first win to stay in the thick of the race for the last playoffs berth in Pool B of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday. Camila Bartolome led the way with 18 points on 14 kills, three kill blocks and an ace as the Lady Blazers bounced back from an opening game loss to second round-bound University of Santo Tomas. Mhonniecka Soliven added 13 points on eight attacks, three kill blocks and two aces while Mary Grace Borromeo and Krystal Oba-ob added 11 and eight markers, respectively, for CSB. “Ang naging winning factor namin is nag-push kami kahit na parang off ang game ng lahat today, nag-push pa rin kami. And ang galing din kasi nag-step up ang rookie namin na middle blocker na si Oba-ob and si Soliven din,” Bartolome said. The Lady Blazers will face Mapua University (1-1) on Sunday in a virtual do-or-die match to advance into the next round. “Siguro kailangan namin matutunan na huwag paunahin na makapuntos ang kalaban. Kasi sa part na naghahabol kami talagang nahihirapan,” Bartolome said. The Lady Bombers absorbed a second straight defeat in as…