By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
The Letran Lady Knights remain winless as they exit the SSL Pre-Season League with its latest loss. Photo courtesy of the Shakey's Super League.
The Letran Lady Knights were swept by UPHSD Lady Altas in Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship elimination round, 9-25, 17-25, 17-25 held earlier today at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Letran Lady Knights started a different first six as they volley against one of the remaining intact rosters in the tournament, the Lady Altas. Both NCAA competitors displayed familiarity as they scored point by point in the opening set.
Despite starting strong, it was Shai Omipon’s combined attacks and a crafty drop that gave them a 10-point advantage to help Perpetual take the first set, 25-9.
Gia Maquilang drained an outside attack that erased their 4-straight errors early in the second set. From the opposite spot, Keiara Almirante efficiently scores trying to regain momentum for Letran. However, it was not enough as a series of errors continued to haunt them.
In the final set, Angelique Ledesma denied back-to-back quick attacks from the players in maroon and scored an ace that bridged the gap to just three points. Still, Bedaña managed to find a gap in their defense, ending the match; 17-25.
The Letran Lady Knights acknowledged the teams’ lack in coverage — their loose defense was taken advantage of by the Lady Altas’ mastery of the middle.
The squad from Intramuros takes away great learning experience as they fail to qualify in the quarterfinals and will be looking to create adjustments for the coming NCAA season 99.
Shakey’s Super League is set to resume the qualifying rounds at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, September 30, 2023.