By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
In photos: Letran Lady Knights edge past San Beda’s late rally, featuring Lorenz Vicente from the men’s volleyball team. Photo Courtesy: NCAA Philippines and Nathan Binoya /The LANCE
Men’s Division
The Letran Knights opened the second round of the NCAA season 100 volleyball tournament with a pulse-pounding loss to the San Beda Red Spikers 25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 17-25, 27-25 on April 22 held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Major efforts came from Vince Himzon, who accumulated 24 points through 18 attacks and six blocks in the five-set loss. Lorenz Vicente and Derrick Bautista also made their mark on the scoreboard with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The opening set saw Letran establish early dominance with Bautista being a consistent force for the Knights, countering scores from SBU's Axel Van Book. Despite occasional errors, Letran held a steady advantage to push their lead by as much as six points. Vicente added crucial late points, and Bautista ultimately sealed the first frame win for the Knights at 25-20.
SBU reversed the advantage in the second, having their first lead at 5-6 with Ryan Rosman and Ralph Cabalsa continuing to apply pressure. Letran battled back to level the score at 14 apiece and briefly retook the lead due to a net touch. Undeterred, the Red Spikers rallied, fueled by Raniel Ignacio’s powerful attacks, clinching the set and evening the match.
While down 15-17 in the third canto, Letran tried to ignite a pivotal rally, tying the score at 17 before team captain John Arano's ace gave them the lead. The Knights then surged ahead, capitalizing on errors and strong plays to reach 20-17. Himzon's block further solidified their advantage, and Andrew Abeto's service ace ensured their 25-18 period triumph.
From the outset of the fourth frame, SBU's offense revolved around a dominant Rosman, who quickly became the linchpin for the Red Spikers. His consistent offensive firepower thwarted Letran's comeback attempts, bringing the match to a 2-2 deadlock.
The final set was a nail-biting affair, with early blocks from Vicente and an ace by Arano giving Letran a hopeful start. SBU, however, roared back, with their defensive capabilities pushing them to their first match point at 14-15. Clutch plays from Himzon, Ambrocio, and Lardizabal were instrumental in keeping the Knights in the game, leading to a dramatic exchange where both squads faced match point, even after Himzon went out of the game after the 20-20 mark. The tense five-set duel reached its climax at 25-27, with the Red Spikers' final block delivering them the hard-fought victory.
San Beda were spearheaded by Book’s double-double performance of 19 points and 17 receptions. Rosman also contributed 18 points while Anrie Bakil added 16, notably including the decisive game-winning block.
Women’s Division
It was a different story for the women's team as the Lady Knights triumphed over the Lady Red Spikers in four sets, 25-22, 25-21, 27-29, 30-28, solidifying their spot in the standings with eight victories.
Rookie Vanessa Sarie paved the way with 24 points, showcasing her versatility with 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. She was backstopped by Gia Maquilang, who scored 15 points, and Judiel Nitura, who added 12, with both players reaching double figures.
Sarie quickly took early control for Letran, unleashing four consecutive attacks to establish their lead at 8-5. SBU attempted to fight back, but the Lady Knights consistently answered to maintain the gap and eventually brushed off a reversal from the Lady Red Spikers, 25-22.
The Knights continued to control the second frame with key contributions from Maquilang and Sarie. The Mendiola-based crew managed to level the score midway through, but Letran pulled away again, taking a 2-0 set lead in the match.
Despite gaining momentum, Letran faced a huge bump in the road upon San Beda’s offensive scare in the third period that was fueled by Reyann Cañete's serves and the return of Angel Habacon's attacks, allowing the latter to and extend the game.
Consistent playmaking enabled Sarie, Maquilang, and Nitura to find their rhythm and denied SBU a chance to force a fifth set.
With an impressive return coming from injury, Habacon put up 20 points and 11 receptions for San Beda, combined with Cañete's 18 markers.
Letran will have little time to rest as they gear up for their upcoming game against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on April 26.