MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran asserted its dominance in NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball, overpowering Mapúa University in four sets to remain the only unbeaten team in Group B at 8-0.
The Lady Knights turned back the Lady Cardinals, 26-24, 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, at the San Andres Sports Complex, reinforcing their status as a legitimate title contender midway through the elimination round.
Gia Maquilang powered Letran’s charge with a game-high 22 points built on 20 attacks, while also anchoring the floor defense with 11 excellent receptions and seven digs. Her all-around brilliance earned her Player of the Game honors.
Letran survived a nerve-wracking opening set, squeezing out a 26-24 victory before Mapúa countered with a 25-20 win in the second frame to level the match.
But the Lady Knights quickly reasserted control in the third set, pulling away for a commanding 25-17 win. They then held firm in the fourth, fending off Mapúa’s late push to seal the 25-21 clincher.
With the loss, Mapúa slipped to 3-5 in Group A, dealing a blow to its playoff aspirations.
Earlier, the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers completed a dominant straight-sets sweep of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals, 25-19, 25-21, 25-17.
Clydel Catarig spearheaded Benilde’s balanced attack with 13 points, including 12 attacks, as the Lady Blazers improved to 6-2 in Group A. The Lady Generals remained winless at 0-9 in Group B.
In other results, San Sebastian College Lady Stags prevailed over Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 25-18, 27-25, 20-25, 25-18, while Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers outlasted Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates, 18-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 16-14./PN
