By: Kim Yoshi Espiritu
Photo Courtesy: Ram Christian Campos.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights fell at the palms of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in a four set match, 28-26, 24-26, 16-25, 19-25, in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship round at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Letran’s rookie ace, Vanessa Sarie, put up an offensive challenge to the reigning volleyball champions with 19 points built on 17 attacks and two blocks.
Royce Dela Cruz pushed the Lady Knights’ first set offensive lead with two straight aces. Recognizing that threat, Benilde’s Zam Nolasco leaped for a quick middle spike that bounced off the opposing frontline defense to stall their momentum and gain a score for her team, 18-13.
Judiel Nitura then scored from the opposite zone to lift her team to setpoint but two costly errors tangled them in a joust, 26-26. It was Nissen Colendra and Sarie’s down the line spikes that converted two points into a first set win.
The intensity of the finals was in full display as both teams went back-and-forth in offense and defense, equalizing the first two sets, 1-1.
Decorated coaches Oliver Almadro and Jerry Yee kept testing their tools and tactics as they continue their second consecutive title warfare at the helm of the two of the most dynamic volleyball squads in Season 100.
The Lady Blazers, however, constantly relied on their towering middle to provide offense and quickly countered any entry made by the Lady Knights with their relentless floor defense.
With CSB maintaining pace, the lead blew up to as much as 11 points until they closed the third set in their favor, 16-25. Sarie pushed for two final points in hopes of extending the match but a Nolasco block in the middle eventually sealed the game in the fourth, 17-25.
The Green shirts’ win definitely came from their exceptional defense, especially when Nolasco played upfront—scoring 21 points from 12 attacks, eight denials, and one service ace.
The continuation game of the tournament’s championship round is scheduled for June 11, Wednesday, at the same arena.