Photo by Alfonso Tamondong
The Letran Lady Knights clinched their first win of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 93 volleyball tournament after trouncing the Mapua University Lady Cardinals in straight sets, 25-22, 25-17, 25-19 on Monday, January 8 at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.
The win garners them a 1-1 win-loss record after an opening-day loss to College of St. Benilde last Friday.
Marie Simborio led the Lady Knights who finished with a game-high 16 points with 10 attacks and six of the team’s eight service aces. Elizza Abitan and Kathleen Barrinuevo also came out productive, tallying seven points apiece.
With the squad’s first victory, head coach Michael Inoferio said that he is looking to “improve the team’s floor defense while developing their mental toughness” -- in order to stand a chance against defending champions Arellano University (AU) Lady Chiefs, whom they will face next on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the FilOil Flying V Center.
In the men’s division, Letran remained winless as they succumbed to Mapua in straight sets, 25-20, 25-11, 25-21. Despite committing a handful of errors throughout the game, the men’s squad will try to turn the losses around as they face the Arellano Chiefs also this Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the same venue.