MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran tightened its hold on the top spot and stretched its unbeaten run to seven matches after a clinical 26-24, 25-22, 25-17 sweep of San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
With Judiel Nitura taking charge in crunch time, the Lady Knights preserved their spotless 7-0 win-loss record and further stamped their early dominance in the tournament.
Nitura exploded for 19 points built on 16 attacks, two aces, and one block to earn Player of the Game honors, anchoring Letran’s steady offensive and defensive rhythm from start to finish.
The Lady Knights had to dig deep in a tightly contested opening set, fending off a determined Lady Stags side before escaping with a two-point win. Riding that momentum, Letran leaned on its consistent attack and disciplined floor defense in the second frame to seize control.
By the third set, the Lady Knights were in full command, pulling away behind a balanced scoring attack and solid net defense to complete the straight-sets victory and remain the only unbeaten team in the field.
Gia Maquilang provided ample support with 11 points, along with five digs and seven receptions, while sophomore Vanessa Sarie and Jade Isar chipped in eight and five markers, respectively.
KJ Dionisio led San Sebastian with 10 points, while Juna May Gonzales added seven markers as the Lady Stags absorbed their sixth loss in eight outings.
In another match, Mapúa University secured a crucial four-set victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-23, 17-25, 28-26, 25-23, to boost its campaign.
Rookie Alex Leabres delivered a breakout performance, firing 22 points on 21 attacks, with eight digs and one block to clinch Player of the Game honors for the Lady Cardinals.
After splitting the first two sets, Mapúa seized momentum by edging EAC in a gripping extended third set. The Lady Cardinals sustained their push in the fourth to close out the win and notch an important triumph in the standings./PN
