By: Aulyn Gwen Bergado
SnL Letran takes home another win in the first game of the Spiker's Turf semi-finals. Photo courtesy of Spiker's Turf.
With steady vigor and sustained energy, the Letran Knights continued to pave their way in their first game of Spiker’s Turf semi finals as they whipped out a 26-24, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19 victory against the Perpetual Kinto-Tyres yesterday at Paco Arena in Manila.
John Derrick Bautista continued to spearhead the Knights with game-high 24 markers on 21 attacks and three blocks while Vince Himzon, who suffered an ankle sprain in their recent game, provided 17 points while Steven Sta. Maria pitched in 12 points.
Perpetual tried to keep up with Letran’s tempo in the fourth set but after breaking off an eight-all deadlock, SnL Letran took the higher road and never looked back.
The two teams battled in a back and forth dispute early on but towards the end, service errors flooded their ways as they hung on a 24-all deuce.
However, Felix Bermido cashed in a quick attack and an attack error from Perpetual's Jefferson Marapoc gave Letran their one set advantage.
Letran surged to the second set with their unceasing firepower but it was a different story in the third as Perpetual escaped them through the combined efforts of Louie Ramirez and Marapoc, 24-26.
Ramirez took the charge for Perpetual with 20 points with 24 excellent receptions, while being backed by Micheal Medalla with 13 points and Marapoc with 12.
SNL Letran will be facing National University-Sta. Elena on December 8 with the hopes to continue their hot streak as they target to clinch a seat in the finals.