After dropping the opening game of their finals series with the Letran Lady Knights, the Benilde Lady Blazers bounced back in a big way on Wednesday and evened things up to push the series to a deciding Game 3 for the championship of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Rookie Cam Bartolome was among those who led the way in Benilde’s sweep, scoring 14 points built on 12 attacks. Afterwards, the newly minted Rookie of the Year told Rebanse that one of the biggest keys to keeping the drive for five alive was the Lady Blazers showing character in the face of adversity.
“’Yung character po. Mas lumaban po kami ngayon, mas tumapang kami, mas nilaban namin ‘yung team,” she said in an exclusive interview with Rebanse. “Tsaka yung ni-remind kami ni coach na dito na kami, bibitawan pa ba namin so wala, nilaban talaga namin.”
Rookie of the Year Was Cam Bartolome’s Side Quest
Aside from helping Benilde keep its five-peat hopes alive, the 19-year-old also snagged the Rookie of the Year award during the awarding ceremony for Season 101’s top individual performers. Later on, Cam Bartolome made it clear that winning Rookie of the Year wasn’t something she focused on all season but rather a side quest—with the main goal being the championship.
“I feel very happy kasi looking back [sa] offseason, ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung gusto kong goal for myself, like side quest ko. Siyempre ‘yung main goal ‘yung five-peat and championship,” the former two-time Palarong Pambansa champion said.
In Game 1 of their finals, Bartolome put up impressive numbers with 15 points and 2 service aces as she yet again showed how much of a heavy contributor she is to the team despite being one of the youngest players in the roster.
“So, ‘yun ‘yung side quest ko, para sa individual ko, para sa akin. ‘Yun ‘yung nilu-look forward ko sa self ko na maabot ko,” Bartolome added.
More Enjoyment in the Last Game of Season 101
For the last match of Season 101, Cam Bartolome is looking forward to her Lady Blazers playing Game 3 with more enjoyment as they attempt to prolong their dynasty in the league.
“’Yung enjoyment. Ang gaan maglaro kanina kasi lahat talaga eager na mag-perform nang mabuti and kita naman ‘yun,” she concluded.
The final game for the trilogy between Letran and Benilde will be played this Friday, April 10, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 2:30 p.m.
