MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran tightened its grip on the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament after surviving a fierce five-set battle against reigning four-time champion College of Saint Benilde, 15-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-15, 15-10, at the San Andres Sports Complex.
With the statement victory, the Lady Knights stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches in Group B while avenging their painful defeat to the Lady Blazers in last season’s finals — a win that also boosted Letran’s bid for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Judiel Nitura delivered when it mattered most, exploding for 22 points and sealing the match with a decisive block in the final frame. The Lady Knights also drew crucial support from Gia Maquilang and Vanessa Sarie in a comeback that underscored Letran’s growing championship credentials.
Maquilang turned in a triple-double performance with 16 points, 18 digs, and 12 receptions, showcasing her all-around brilliance, while Sarie contributed 13 points, including a clutch service ace that finished off the contest.
The Lady Blazers looked poised to dictate the deciding set after building a 4-1 lead, but Letran refused to fold. Consecutive attacks from Maquilang sparked a rally to even the score.
CSB briefly regained control at 7-6, yet the Lady Knights countered with a pivotal run highlighted by Sarie’s back-to-back hits to grab a 10-8 advantage.
From there, Letran’s defense tightened. Nitura and Leonilyn Padilla combined for a crucial block to move the Lady Knights to match point before Sarie delivered the knockout blow from the service line to complete the comeback.
The victory strengthened Letran’s position atop its group and moved the squad closer to securing a twice-to-beat edge entering the quarterfinal round — a critical advantage in the tightly contested season.
Clydel Catarig paced the Lady Blazers with 19 points, while Zam Nolasco added 17 in the losing effort as CSB dropped to 6-3 in Group A.
In the other match, the University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas thwarted a reverse sweep attempt by the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, prevailing 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 22-25, 17-15. Cyrille Almeniana led the Lady Altas with 18 points./PN
