Letran secures semi-finals tickets as it narrowly escapes San Sebastian with double wins. Photo courtesy of GMA Sports PH and Maverick Rhoy de Vera of The LANCE.
Men’s division
The Letran Knights advanced to the playoffs after their triumph against the San Sebastian Golden Stags, 25-13, 22-25, 23-25, 25-19, 17-15, earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With 20 points built on 17 attacks, Steven Sta. Maria top scored for the Muralla-based team, while Derrick Bautista contributed 17.
As the momentum went towards Letran's favor throughout the early goings of the match, San Sebastian managed to fight back and clinch the second and third sets.
The Knights banked on a defense-centric fourth frame that allowed them to force the decider with the Golden Stags.
They held off any run that was made by the Stags. As the Knights got their third win in the last set, they ended the preliminary round with a 3-2 card.
Kyle Villamore chipped in 23 points for the San Sebastian Stags in the losing effort.
Women’s division
The Lady Knights outlasted the Lady Stags in a five-set marathon, 25-20, 25-27, 20-25, 25-12, 15-9, earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Gia Maquilang finished with a game-high 25 points, followed by Judiel Nitura’s 13 and Angelique Ledesma’s 12, while Nizelle Martin also cashed in 11 markers.
It was a back-and-forth contest as Letran claimed the first set, but the Lady Stags stole a hard fought second calvo, carrying this momentum into the third frame to secure 1-2 lead over the Lady Knights.
In the last two sets, Coach Oliver Almadro’s squad fought hard to prevent an upset in their final match of the preliminary round as they set their sights on the playoffs.
Coach Oliver remarked that it was unexpected for them to get the spot in the Final Four and expressed his gratitude to the Letran community.
“The job is not yet done, let’s see where this journey will bring us,” said the veteran coach.
He also stated that the team needs to work hard and be matured in every game moving forward.
The NCAA will utilize the stepladder format for the playoffs as the CSB Lady Blazers and UPHSD Altas stayed undefeated through the preliminaries.
Both Letran squads look to make the most of their Final Four appearances as the opening games of the postseason are scheduled on Sunday, May 12.