"The Colegio de San Juan de Letran volleyball team dominated Jose Rizal University in both the men's and women's divisions during the second-round eliminations of the NCAA Season 100 Volleyball Tournament on May 25 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Men’s Division
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights maintained its dominance over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in a sweep, 25-20, 25-18, 25-12, to tightly grasp their chances in the final four of the NCAA Season 100 second round on May 25 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
The quick work undoubtedly has been handed as three players finished in a double-digit outing. Vince Himzon ushered the Knights with 13 points, laced on 11 attacks and two blocks, while Felix Bermido and Dave Lardizabal discharged 10 points apiece.
Letran was able to put a steady stretch against the Heavy Bombers in the opening period as they were able to curtail their errors on top of producing quick offenses. The latter worked its way to catch up by saving three set points until an attack from Lardizabal dismantled their momentum.
Coming into the second set, JRU had the chance to pace themselves but failed due to an attack error from Charlie Dela Cruz that tied the frame at 5-all.
An attack from Christer Lou Ambrocio put the Intramuros-based squad into another set point. Vince Himzon, with no fear, closed the set through a single block against a spike from the opposing Maki Guanzon.
Down to the last stretch, errors had slowly piled up for the Mandaluyong-based team which did not aid them as Letran’s guard never swayed, thus blowing the lead by 13 after a Dennis Domalanta point, 23-10.
A single net defense from Arieh Barba drove the Knights to the match point, but JRU’s Bryle Alipay was determined to put a stoppage. The latter’s move had been supported by an Al-jecradin Unding ace, however, Lorenz Vicente easily delivered the finishing touches.
Despite caving in and eventually wrapping up their journey with a 3-15 record, Harry Ocay paced the Heavy Bombers with 11 attack points. Paolo Barrientos and Dela Cruz finished with seven points apiece.
Letran, meanwhile, leaps to the fourth spot with an 11-6 card just behind Mapua, Benilde, and Arellano. Contrarily, San Beda and Perpetual are also in a close battle to the final four with a 10-7, and a 9-8 record, respectively.
Should the Knights win their remaining match against the top-seeded Mapua, their spot in the semi-finals is assured. However, if they lose, and SBU and UPHSD prevail in their respective remaining matches, total won points may be accounted for.
Women’s Division
The Lady Knights likewise demolished the Lady Bombers in another sweep, 25-14, 25-20, 25-12 to claim solo second in the standings and an automatic twice-to-beat advantage.
While an equal distribution of ball has been delivered, Judiel Nitura starred for the crew with 17 attack points. Backing her up was Vanessa Sarie with 13 markers.
In the first set, Nitura may have confidently worked for her offenses, aiding Letran to score twice as much as the opponents. Nearing the closure, Sarie’s consecutive attacks pioneered the squad to its first set point. An error on Letran’s side transpired—giving in a charity point but Verenicce Colendra eagerly finished the set.
The likes of Jerry Laurente and Patricia Del Pillar brought some help to Nicole Deala to counter the Lady Knights’ scoring prowess.
Heading to another end, attack errors may seem to cling on the Letran side; yet, the Lady Bombers responded in the same way until a spike from Nitura shortly handed the latter a second set drubbing.
The Lady Knights did not waste any time heading into the final period as they stretched the gap to double digits, 22-10, which came from Gia Maquilang’s attack and an ace and Pearl Brago’s successive off-the-block markers.
Lady Bomber’s Karyla Jasareno then found an open spot but she was answered back by Leonilyn Padilla. A charity coming from the service line was once again handed to the Bombers until Colendra produced two-in-a-row hits to seal the win for the Lady Knights.
Concluding their season journey with three wins and 15 losses, Nicole Deala led the JRU in their last bout with seven points.
Letran will have their remaining match against Mapua University on Wednesday, May 28, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.