By: Jeffrey Gatdula
The Letran Lady Knights in a fierce and collected showing versus the EAC Lady Generals. Photo courtesy of Kyla Anne Velasco of The LANCE.
The Letran Lady Knights showcased their dominance against the EAC Lady Generals in a thrilling four-set win, 19-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-12, in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on February 28, 2023, at the San Andres Complex in Manila.
Rookie Judiel Nitura showed off for the Lady Knights as she was hailed the best player of the game leading with 16 points with Lea Tapang and LJ Isar also providing 11 markers.
The match started with Letran struggling to make an offensive, resulting in a 25-19 loss to the EAC Lady Generals in the first set. However, the Letran Lady Knights were quick to recover and came back strong in the second set, winning over the Lady Generals with a score of 22-25.
Both teams were tied 7-7 apiece early in the third set when the Letran Lady Knights took charge of the game and demolished the Lady Generals with a remarkable 18-5 run, thanks to their excellent service aces and net defense. The Lady Generals tried to keep up, but the Letran Lady Knights were too strong, closing the set in their favor, 25-12.
With the momentum in their favor, the Lady Knights replicated their performance in the fourth set and clinched the match point to win the game 25-12, sealing their victory over the Lady Generals and improving to 2-1.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s Volleyball Tournament between Letran Knights and EAC Generals, the Knights unfortunately fell short losing all three sets, 23-25, 22-25, 25-27.
Letrsn started off strong in the first set, showing their offensive prowess and taking an early lead. However, the EAC Generals managed to find their rhythm and caught up to the Knights, eventually taking the set 25-23.
The Knights seemed to have lost their composure in the latter part of the set, allowing the Generals to take control and secure the win.
In the second set, Letran stumbled as the EAC Generals continued to showcase their offense and match Letran’s blocks. The Knights tried to fight back, but the Generals maintained their lead, taking the set 25-22.
With both teams trading blows and neither willing to give an inch. The third set was crucial for Letran, as they tried to bounce back and extend the game. However, EAC managed to stay ahead and secured the match point, leading to their victory with a score of 27-25, securing a three-set sweep over the Knights.
Despite the loss, the Letran Knights showed their tenacity and skill throughout the match, giving the EAC Generals a run for their money. Vince Himzon managed to pull 15 points, followed by Michael Doria with 8 markers.
Letran's next games are against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday, at the same Manila venue.