MANILA — Ilongga libero Lara Mae Silva delivered a career-defining performance to propel Colegio de San Juan de Letran back to the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball finals, as the Lady Knights outdueled San Beda University in a tense Final Four decider, 25-18, 25-19, 23-25, 25-21, at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Silva anchored Letran’s defense with a sensational 38 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions, earning Player of the Game honors while steadying the Lady Knights in one of their most crucial matches of the season.
“Happy and blessed kasi graduating kami at alam naman namin na aabot at aabot kami sa finals kasi una pa lang, sinabi ko na hindi ako magbibigay ng chance sa iba,” Silva said in an interview with GMA News Online.
“Nagkaro’n kami agad ng sense of urgency after ng talo sa Game 2. And okay lang sa amin na natalo kami kasi nakita namin ‘yung mga lapses namin,” added the Iloilo native.
Letran leaned on a balanced attack to complement Silva’s defensive brilliance, with Judiel Nitura firing 18 points and adding eight digs, while Vanessa Sarie contributed 15 markers and 10 receptions. Returning starter Gia Maquilang, back after a six-game absence due to a knee injury, chipped in 13 points.
The Lady Knights dictated the tempo early, dominating the first two sets behind disciplined floor defense and efficient offense. But San Beda mounted a fightback, snatching the third set to extend the match and threaten a reversal.
Letran, however, quickly regrouped in the fourth frame, with Silva’s backline stability allowing the offense to execute under pressure and close out the victory.
With the win, the Lady Knights secured their third straight finals appearance and arranged a highly anticipated championship rematch against defending champions College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
Benilde holds a psychological edge, having beaten Letran in their last two finals encounters, but the Lady Knights drew confidence from a preliminary-round victory over the Lady Blazers this season—setting the stage for a compelling title showdown./PN
