By: Rylie San Juan
Phot courtesy of Julia Iris Eguillano | The LANCE
The Letran Knights bowed to the Arellano Chiefs in their recent matchup after an intense five-set showdown. Meanwhile, the Lady Knights kept their untainted streak intact, defeating the Arellano Lady Chiefs in another five-set thriller that saw double extensions
The Letran Knights failed to capture the win after falling short to the Arellano Chiefs in five grueling sets, yesterday, March 6 at the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Vince Himzon went off for 23 points, while Bembem Bautista concluded the match with 19 points along with five digs.
The intensity was felt right off the bat as the match stayed close in the opening minutes. Arellano managed to cling to a seven point lead by the halfway mark of set one, the deficit proved to be too much as the Chiefs secured the first frame 19-25.
The Knights were quick to avenge their loss in the first set, Himzon and Bautista manned the offense with their cross-court attacks and high-flying spikes to secure a comfortable cushion for Letran. The scoring from Dave Lardizabal and Max Lopez was also felt, and was the key for the Knights to secure set two at 25-19.
The Back and forth scoring continued in the third frame as both teams were unwilling to let up, Letran grasped a four-point lead but was quickly erased by the Chiefs. Once the lead was back on Arellano’s side, the Knights were unable to keep up. The Chiefs secured set three at 21-25.
Bautista shined in the fourth set showcasing his powerful spikes as the Knights were eager to force a fifth and final set. With the Knights in the driver’s seat, they continued to push the pace, leaving Arellano in the dust and taking set four at 25-22.
The deciding set opened in favor of Arellano as the Chiefs drew first blood, but Himzon fired right back with two quick points of his own. Letran stayed in the lead for the majority of the set but Arellano was always within striking distance, numerous deadlocks were seen but it was the Knights who first reached match point. A net touch from Letran, followed by an unanswered spike from Arellano forced set extension. After a hard-fought match, it was the Chiefs who prevailed, winning set five at 14-16.
Cj Dominguito led the charge for Arellano, recording 24 points with 12 successful digs, while Jiwen Sinuto and AC Guinto scored 22 points and 16 points respectively.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights maintained their spotless record after taking down the Arellano Lady Chiefs in a five-set thriller that saw multiple set extensions, yesterday March 6, at the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Vanessa Sarie exploded for 27 points with 24 spikes to lead Letran to victory. Nizelle Martin and Judiel Nitura tallied double-digit points of their own, with Martin recording 19, while Nitura scored 18.
The Lady Knights got off to a blistering start, securing a comfortable cushion thanks to Sarie’s attacks and Nitura’s numerous service ace. The unforced errors from Arellano did not help their case as the Lady Knights closed out set one at a dominating score of 25-14.
The second frame saw a more intense contest between the two teams, neither was handed a significant advantage the whole set. The Lady Knights were first at set point but back-to-back scores from Arellano forced an extension which the Lady Chiefs ultimately won at 24-26.
In the third set, the match remained intense. Both teams continued to exchange blows, trying to gain an edge on the other. The combined scoring of Nitura and Martin became the key to victory for the Lady Knights in the third frame as the tandem took turns in racking up points for Letran. The set once again went to an extension but this time, it was the Lady Knights who prevailed 26-24.
The Lady Chiefs were in full force in the following round, they kept the match close and did not give the Lady Knights any breathing room. By the halfway point, Arellano began to widen the gap, forcing a fifth and final set at 20-25.
With their spotless record on the line, the Lady Knights quickly went to work. Sarie’s consistent attacks gave Letran an advantage but the Lady Chiefs were not far behind. As the Lady Knights came close to match point, an attack error from Arellano finally sealed the deal, ending the match at 15-10.
Samantha Tiratira led the scoring for Arellano, tallying 16 markers along with six blocks. Kheisha Abitria was not far behind as she recorded 15 points with 12 spikes, while Crisanta Servidad concluded the game with 13 points.
Letran is set to face their rivals, San Beda University, this coming Sunday, March 8, at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.