By:
Photo credits: Angela Davocol / GMA Network
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran clinched a dramatic straight-sets victory over Arellano University, 30-28, 25-12, 25-21, on Tuesday, June 3, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre for the NCAA Season 100 Women’s Volleyball Finals.
Spearheading the Lady Knights’ fiery performance was Judiel Nitura, who delivered a commanding performance on both ends with 17 points from 15 attacks and two blocks.
Vanessa Sarie also contributed a flurry of cross-court hits and crucial blocks, while Gia Maquilang controlled the tempo with aggressive net play throughout the match.
In a nail-biting first set, both teams engaged in a tight tug-of-war filled with momentum swings and defensive stops.
Arellano’s rookie tandem of Sam Tiratira and Catherine Domasig got the Lady Chiefs rolling early, establishing an 8-5 lead behind their quick attacks and solid front-row presence. Meanwhile Letran, behind the sharp playmaking of setter Estreller and back-to-back points from Sarie, roared back late in the frame.
Tied at 24-all, Arellano’s Laika Tudlasan stood tall with a block, but Maquilang quickly followed up with a well-timed spike to give Letran a set point.
Moments later, Estreller connected with Nitura for the finishing blow, sealing the first set at 30-28 in favor of the Lady Knights.
Riding high from the momentum, Lady Knights Maquilang and Nitura continued to push through Arellano’s floor defense, while Sarie led a defensive stand at the net.
A string of service errors from Arellano allowed Letran to pull away, eventually closing out the second frame with a dominant 25-12 scoreline.
Arellano opened the third with urgency, racing to a 3-0 start with sharp plays from Fhaye Mangubat and Domasig. However, Sarie took over midway with a pair of cross-court kills, while Maquilang found the soft spots in the Arellano defense.
Nitura delivered a clutch spike over the blockers to push the Lady Knights ahead in the third, 25-21.
With match point looming, Arellano challenged a ball in/out call in a final bid to stay alive, but the challenge was ruled unsuccessful, sealing Letran’s victory and their return to the NCAA women’s volleyball finals for two consecutive seasons.
The Lady Knights will now prepare for the biggest stage of Season 100, where they will look to mark their name in NCAA women’s volleyball history once again.