By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
The Letran Lady Knights triumph over the Mapua Lady Cardinals, while the Letran Knights fall short in a dramatic five-set showdown at San Beda University Gym. Photo Courtesy: Ram Christian Campos.
Women’s division
The Letran Lady Knights outlasted the Mapua Lady Cardinals in a grueling four-set battle, 25-21, 32-34, 25-11, 25-21, to secure another win in the NCAA Season 100 Women’s Volleyball elimination round on February 27 at the San Beda University Gym.
Vanessa Sarie's dominant 22-point performance, featuring 20 successful attacks, paved the way for the Lady Knights' second victory of the season. Judiel Nitura also contributed 18 points to the winning effort.
Letran seized an early advantage in the first set, exploiting Mapua's service line woes. Despite a determined effort from the Lady Cardinals to stay within striking distance, the Lady Knights held firm, resulting in a 25-21 set win.
The second set was a heart-stopping duel, a back-and-forth showdown that saw Mapua snatch victory from Letran's grasp. The Knights held set point, but Seanelle Garcia's off-the-block plays and Raissa Ricablanca's powerful attacks sparked a dramatic Mapua comeback. Despite strong performances from Letran's Sarie and Gia Maquilang, the Lady Cardinals ultimately prevailed in a marathon set, 34-32.
After dominating the third, Letran found itself in another tight battle in the fourth, as Mapua fought to extend the match. The Lady Cardinals stayed competitive behind consecutive aces and Nicole Ong’s defensive efforts, preventing the Lady Knights from pulling away. However, Letran’s Judiel Nitura stepped up offensively before she and Maquilang delivered the final blows to seal the victory, 25-21.
Garcia led Mapua with 14 points, while Ricablanca and Ong contributed 13 and 10, respectively.
Men’s division
The Letran Knights were edged out by the Mapua Cardinals in a dramatic five-set clash, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 25-27, 15-17, in their NCAA Season 100 first round matchup.
John Derrick Bautista showcased a dynamic scoring arsenal, amassing 29 points through 24 attacks, three aces, and two blocks.
Letran opened the match with a strong start, establishing an early lead and maintaining control to secure the first set 25-22. Bautista's sharp attacks proved crucial for the Knights, while Mapua struggled with overpowered attacks.
Mapua and Letran remained neck and neck for most of the second frame before the former pulled away in the closing moments. The Knights' defensive lapses, marked by missed saves and poor receptions, allowed the Cardinals to gain the upper hand as team captain Barbie San Andres and Ar-jay Ramos led the charge to claim the second, 25-21.
Letran regained momentum in the third period, leaning on the block points and attacks of Bautista and Vince Himzon, taking a 2-1 lead in the match. A high-intensity contest ensued in the fourth as the Cardinals jumped ahead early before Letran fought back to force a deadlock, 21-21.
The Knights inched closer to match point, 24-23, however, a costly miscommunication shifted the momentum, allowing Cardinal’s Barba to pour in a clutch ace, 27-25, extending the match to a decisive fifth set.
The fifth set opened with Letran surging ahead, but Mapua anchored the defense to prevent a runaway lead. Bautista kept his team’s hopes alive, but the opposing Ramos, a constant thorn in their side, repeatedly leveled the score. Dave Lardizabal delivered critical points to bring the Knights to matchpoint, but Ramos had the final say, striking attacks to clinch a 17-15 win for Mapua.
A blistering performance from Ramos, who scored 25 points on 24 attacks and an ace, powered the Cardinals to triumph. San Andres added 17 points, all from attacks, before exiting the game due to cramps.
Next up for Letran are the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Blazers and Lady Blazers, as both teams prepare for a matchup on March 8 at the Lyceum of the Philippines University gym.