By: Augusto Urbano II
The Lady Knights swept the Perpetual Lady Altas in a second-round win. Photo Courtesy: NCAA Philippines.
Women’s division
San Juan City — The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights delivered a commanding performance as they swept the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Lady Altas, 27-25, 25-23, 25-21, in NCAA Season 100 Women’s Volleyball on April 26, 2025 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The win showcased Letran’s balance of power and precision, lifting their momentum as the elimination round heats up. The squad capitalized on another Verenice Colendra breakout game, who made a loud presence on both ends with 13 points and 3 crucial blocks.
Leading all scorers was Vanessa Sarie, who churned in 14 points. Sarie was unstoppable on the offense, partnered with her reliable presence on the floor. Sophomore Gia Maquilang added another 14 points, dominating at the net with spikes.
Setting the pace for the Lady Knights was Natalie Estreller, who recorded 18 excellent sets, efficiently distributing the ball and keeping the Perpetual defense on its heels. Libero Lara Mae Silva anchored Letran’s floor defense, frustrating the Lady Altas’ hitters throughout the match.
Letran showed superior teamwork and composure all throughout the game, particularly in the first set where they fended off a late rally from Perpetual to take a tightly contested 27-25 win.
The Lady Altas committed critical errors that Letran capitalized on, giving the Lady Knights added momentum to romp the former and close the match with consistent and sharp executions in the third set.
The Lady Altas struggled to find rhythm despite the efforts of Winnie Bedaña and Charisse Enrico, who finished with eight points apiece. Meanwhile, Perpetual’s offensive machine and former rookie standout, Shaila Omipon, was also restrained to a single digit outing.
Men’s division
On the other hand, the Letran Knights men's volleyball team was buried deep into the ground in their second round matchup against Perpetual Altas that lasted five thrilling sets, 25-20, 25-17, 14-25, 20-25, 15-9.
After emerging successful in their first round meeting, Bembem Bautista and Vince Himzon gallantly tried to elevate the Intramuros-based squad’s ranking by registering 19 and 17 points respectively.
But to no avail, the Knights‘ effort to force a deciding fifth set favor was swatted away by Perpetual who held their nerve to secure the win.
Altas’ Jeff Marapoc towed the team out of the lackluster third and fourth frames with his hammer hits. The spacings he attracted enabled Kobe Tabuga to put a seal on their rollercoaster game.
The Knights failed to hold off Marapoc who delivered a game-high performance, leading his team with 28 points, including 24 attacks and 3 blocks. While Tabuga added 18 points coming from 12 attacks, five blocks, and an ace.
Letran continues to fare in the tournament to secure a safe position in the standings push for a Final Four slot in the centennial season of the NCAA.