By: Rylie San Juan
Photo courtesy of Anne Rebagay | The LANCE.
The Letran Lady Knights dominated their first matchup against the Arellano Lady Chiefs after a 3-0 sweep. Meanwhile, the Letran Knights fell short to the Arellano Chiefs in four close sets to open the NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Tournament, yesterday, January 2,4 at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.
The Letran Lady Knights started out strong after defeating the Arellano Lady Chiefs in three sets, 25-10, 25-17, 25-17, in their first match at the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Judiel Nitura led the charge for the Lady Knights, tallying 18 points with 15 coming from spikes. Lastlie Isar and Leonilyn Padilla were also present in the scoring department as they chipped in 10 points and eight points, respectively.
The Lady Knights showcased their defense in the opening minutes of the first set, blocking the attacks of Arellano and forcing errors on the side of the opponent. Nitura’s aggressive spikes kept Arellano at bay as Letran led by as much as 15 points, ending the set at 25-10.
The second set saw a closer matchup from both teams, the Lady Chiefs made much needed adjustments to keep the game competitive. However, the pair of Vanessa Sarie and Nitura proved to be too much for Arellano as their consistent scoring paved the way for Letran to secure another comfortable lead late in the frame, closing out the set at 25-17.
Arellano pushed the pace early on with four straight points to open the third set, but it was the tandem of Sarie and Nitura who gave the lead back to the Lady Knights. Once Letran reclaimed the lead, they began to inch further away from Arellano.
As the scoring continued to pile up for the Lady Knights, the errors persisted on the side of Arellano. A spike from Nitura ended the third and final set 25-17, securing Letran’s first win of the tournament.
Crisanta Servidad led Arellano in scoring, ending the game with nine points with seven spikes. Laika Tudlasan chipped in seven points while Kacelyn Punzalan tallied five for the Lady Chiefs.
The Letran Knights succumbed to the Arellano Chiefs in four nail-biting sets 25-27, 26-24, 27-29, 20-25, in their opening game in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament yesterday, January 23, held at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.
John Bautista tallied 18 points for the Knights, while Dave Lardizabal and Vince Himzon provided 17 points each for Letran.
The first set was close all throughout as the scoring went back and forth for both parties. Letran held the lead for the majority of the se,t but not by a big margin, as Arellano’s defense made it tough for the Knights to score consistently. Bautista carried the Knights’ offense but Arellano managed to escape with the set at a close 25-27.
Arellano drew first blood in the second frame, with Letran answering right back. Long and intense rallies ensued, while the scores remained close for the entirety of the set.
The hard attacks of Lou Ambrocio and Lardizabal became a problem for Arellano as they had no answers to the offensive prowess of the Knights. The scoring flowed for both teams, but it was the Knights who were able to snatch the extended set at 26-24.
The third set was another nail-biter, both teams scored consistently, but neither was able to cling to a comfortable cushion. The lead change was constant as service errors plagued the two teams, but Bautista’s high-flying attacks kept the game close for Letran.
Another extended set was seen as Arellano was unable to secure a two point lead by set point. After a long and grueling frame that ended at 27-29, it was the Chiefs who outlasted Letran.
The defense of Arellano began to tighten come the fourth and final set, Letran’s attacks were blocked left and right, while the Chiefs’ scoring barrage continued.
After a technical timeout, the Knights picked up the pace despite being behind. The scoring was fast for Arellano, but Letran was always within striking distance. By the end of the set, the Chiefs were in control and were able to cling to a five point lead 20-25, handing Letran their first loss of the tournament.
Jiwen Sinuto contributed 22 points to lead the Chiefs to victory, CJ Dominguito tallied 17 points while Daniel Agovida ended the game with 13.
The Letran Lady Knights and Knights are set to face the EAC Lady Generals and Generals on Sunday, January 25, 2:30 p.m. at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.