By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
The Letran Lady Knights secure a three-set win against defending champions Benilde, contrasting with the Knights' four-set loss to the Blazers in the elimination round of the NCAA centennial season on March 8 at the LPU gym. Photo Courtesy: Maverick Rhoy De Vera/ The LANCE.
The Letran Lady Knights stunned the defending champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, ending their win streak in a fast-paced three-set victory, 25-22, 25-23, 26-24, during the NCAA Season 100 elimination round on March 8 at the Lyceum of the Philippines University gym.
Nizelle Martin powered Letran with 17 points and a block, while Vanessa Sarie contributed 12 points and 3 crucial service aces.
The Lady Knights relied on a relentless offensive surge led by Martin, who delivered a series of powerful attacks. Sarie also made her presence felt with her own strikes, while Natalie Estreller orchestrated spike plays with precise sets. Despite the Lady Blazers keeping the game close and preventing Letran from pulling away, it was Martin’s decisive attacks that sealed the second set at 25-22.
Benilde started strong in the third frame, racing to a 4-0 lead behind two service aces from Zamantha Nolasco and attack errors by Letran. However, Judiel Nitura retaliated with a spike and back-to-back aces to quickly tie the game at 5-5. The Lady Knights then took command, capitalizing on out-of-bounds errors by their opponents. Royce Dela Cruz fired an ace, followed by three consecutive attacks from Nitura to build a 16-11 advantage. The squad from Taft fought back with efforts from Mycah Go and Wielyn Estoque but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
At match point of the Knights, the Lady Blazers managed to rally to two points down to force a tie. An attack from the latter that sailed out and a clutch hit from Gia Maquilang secured the weighty victory for the Intramuros-based squad.
Lady Blazer Wielyn Estoque delivered 12 attack points, and Mycah Go added 8 points and a service ace.
Men’s Division
The Letran Knights succumbed to the Benilde Blazers in a four-set battle, 9-25, 25-21, 17-25, 20-25, for their third match of the season.
Bembem Bautista and Vince Himzon were the key offensive contributors for Letran, each scoring 10 spikes. John Wayne Araño's two blocks provided a defensive highlight.
The Blazers took control early in the opening set with a series of coordinated attacks, as the Knights struggled with unforced errors. The second set was a tightly contested battle. After an early back-and-forth exchange, Letran built momentum with Christer Ambrocio and Raphael Vicente’s well-placed hits. With set point at 24-20, Rocky Motol of the green team managed to score a point, but Bautista’s spike finished the set, 25-21.
Himzon opened the third set with an attack, but Benilde quickly responded with Adriane Austero’s steady plays, Christian Aguilar’s pinpoint serves and Motol’s relentless attacks. Letran struggled to find their rhythm, falling behind early. A late rally from the Knights was stifled by the Blazers, who reached set point with an ace from Aguilar. The latter squad secured the set, taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
The Knights, determined to extend the battle, launched a series of attacks to begin the fourth set led by Himzon. Bautista tried to spark a comeback for Letran, but Benilde’s defense, along with key offensive weapons Jacob Herrera and Motol, proved too much to handle.
Motol spearheaded the win with 10 spikes, while Herrera with eight. Aguilar added with all-around performance, featuring three blocks and four service aces.
The Letran Knights, seeking to secure another victory, and the undefeated Lady Knights, currently 3-0, will face the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on March 14 at the Arellano University Gym.