By: Rylie San Juan
Photo by Maverick Rhoy De Vera | The LANCE
Women’s Volleyball
The Letran Lady Knights recorded another win after beating the Perpetual Lady Altas in three straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-14, earlier today at the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament held at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Judiel Nitura and Vanessa Sarie shouldered the offense for the Lady Knights as the pair tallied 16 points each. Gia Maquilang was not far behind, ending the game with 13 markers.
Both teams found their rhythm in the opening minutes of the first set, and points were traded at a consistent rate while the game remained close. The story became different midway through the set, Letran’s defense cranked up, which made it tougher for the Lady Altas to score.
On the other hand, offense sailed smoothly for Nitura and Sarie as they slowly inched away in the scoring category. Letran secured the biggest lead of seven points to close out the frame at 25-18.
The second set was more of the same for Letran; Maquilang’s barrage of crosscourt attacks were unstoppable, while the thunderous spikes of Nitura and Sarie continued to terrorize the Lady Altas. Lara Silva’s defense was also on full display, as she successfully defended spikes and attacks from the Altas left and right. The set concluded at 25-21 on a signature crosscourt attack from Maquilang.
The struggles continued to pile up for the Lady Altas coming into the third, service errors became a common sight, while the Lady Knights continued to capitalize on every opportunity. The lead grew to as big as 11 points in the final set, with the frame ending at 25-14.
Perpetual’s Shalla Omipon tallied nine points in the match, while Charisse Enrico and Jemalyn Menor recorded six points each.
Men’s Volleyball
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights suffered another loss 1-4, this time at the hands of the Perpetual Altas Spikers. Earlier today at the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament held at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.
Derrick Bautista led the Knights in scoring with 19 points, 17 coming from spikes. Dave Lardizabal tallied 16, while Vince Himzon ended the game with 15.
The defense of Letran was on point in the opening set as the Knights kept Perpetual in check. Himzon and Bautista spearheaded the offense, providing Letran with a small lead, but the Altas Spikers kept the match close.
Service errors plagued the Knights as they struggled to utilize their serves, while long rallies were always fifty-fifty, as neither team failed to secure a significant advantage late in the round. The set went into extension, with Perpetual securing the frame 26-28.
Christer Ambrocio opened the scoring for Letran in the second set, followed by two quick points from Bautista to secure an early lead. This time, it was the Altas Spiker who piled on errors. Net faults and low attacks became the downfall of Perpetual in the second frame as Letran led by as much as nine points, ending the set at 25-16.
Perpetual pushed the pace in the third set, their defense became suffocating as they denied most of the spikes and attacks of Letran. While Bautista managed to keep the match competitive, it proved to be too much for the Knights as they simply had no answers for the Altas Spikers this time. As the lead widened, Perpetual took set three, 17-25.
The final set came down to the wire, Letran’s aggressive attacks provided them with a five-point cushion, but the Altas Spikers slowly chipped away at the lead. After overcoming the deficit, Perpetual went on a run, leaving Letran behind, but the match was not over. The Knights attempted a comeback and were within two points of a set extension, but Perpetual ultimately secured the win, shutting the door on the Knights, 23-25.
Jester Bornel scored 15 points, 13 from spikes to aid in their victory. Marc Tangon contributed 13 markers, while Dexter Arrozado and John Castil ended the game with 10.
The next matchup for Letran would be against JRU on February 13 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.