By: Rylie San Juan
The Lady Knights fell in five sets, while the Letran Knights upset the top-seeded Perpetual Help Atlas in the NCAA Season 100 Volleyball Tournament held last Thursday at the University of Perpetual Help Gymnasium, Las Piñas City. Photo Courtesy: Rylie San Juan.
Women’s Division
The Letran Lady Knights fell to their knees against the top-seed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Altas in a five set outing, 25-23, 23-25, 25-14, 22-25, 13-15, in the NCAA Season 100 Volleyball Tournament held last Thursday at the University of Perpetual Help Gymnasium, Las Piñas City.
Judiel Nitura led the Intramuros-based squad after scoring 18 points with 14 spikes and three blocked attacks from the Lady Altas. Vanessa Sarie and Gia Maquilang were also key contributors putting up 15 and 16 points each.
The back and forth scoring started early from the set opener — showing that no one can afford to let their guards down toward the race to the top. The Lady Knights figured their ways to win the first set, but lost a slight grip of the second that gave the opposing team the set point.
Maquilang blasted aggressive spikes to blow out Perpetual and escape with an 11-point gap in third. Marjorie Napal joined the offensive charge to get the final point, 25-14.
The home team, however, caught their rhythm in the fourth, seeking redemption after feeling Letran’s offensive firepower. The Lady Altas turned the tide and won two straight sets to snatch the victory.
Winnie Bedana and Shaila Omipon partnered up on offense in their comeback win, posting 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Men’s Division
The Letran Knights upset the reigning champion Perpetual Altas after enduring four close sets, 22-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-17, to add another win to their record.
Bem Bautista tallied 22 points, four blocks and an ace to lead Letran’s attacking onslaught to counter the Las Piñas-based squad's fiery play. The entire team played aggressively, ending the game with 97 points in total coming from 129 attacks.
The heroics of Vince Himzon and Raphael Vicente were very much needed by Letran, scoring 13 points each with Himzon successfully shielding three attacks.
The Knights bucked a slow start after hitting their ball possessions outside the playing field and committing service errors that led to losing the first set, 22-25.
Even after dropping one set, the Knights were quick to brace for higher momentum in the second set, keeping accurate plays in their arsenal while solidifying their defense courtesy of Vicente’s back-to-back blocks.
The Altas tried to return the favor by relying on Jefferson Marapoc’s attacks to put them on the scoreboard. Letran’s defense, however, showed no signs of damage from the opponent’s hit
Letran proved to be hungrier over this massive win against a powerhouse team, which extended the intensity to the bleachers as the crowd seemed to start another warfare in cheering while blurting out entertaining dance moves.
Marapoc’s efforts resulted in him being the best scorer above his crew with 21 points in 42 total attacks from all over the court.
The Knights and Lady Knights will see their final game of the first round on April 11, against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos, held at the latter’s home gym.