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The Letran Knights and Lady Knights bagged double victories after beating the Mapua Cardinals and Lady Cardinals yesterday, at the NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Tournament held at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.
The Letran Lady Knights stood victorious once again, keeping their record spotless after defeating the Mapua Lady Cardinals 3-1, earlier today at the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
Gia Maquilang spearheaded the offense for Letran, ending the game with 22 markers and 20 spikes. Vanessa Sarie also showed up with 18 points and two blocks, while Judiel Nitura concluded the game with 10.
Mapua was off to a good start in the opening set, completing a 3-0 run to take the lead against the Lady Knights. Lj Isar recorded Letran’s first point of the match as Nitura and Maquilang followed suit, taking turns in scoring with their signature spikes and cross court attacks. The Lady Knights trailed late in the set but was successful in their comeback attempt as they forced a set extension to take set one 26-24.
The viewers were treated to more intense competition in the second frame, the score was close all throughout while the long rallies kept everyone on edge. The Lady Knights struggled with attack errors in the final minutes of set two, while the Lady Cardinals took advantage. The amount of errors from the side of Letran became too much as Mapua bounced back, securing set two at 20-25
The onslaught of the Lady Knights continued in the following set, Nitura’s powerful spikes were on full display, while the cross court attacks of Maquilang and Sarie further added pressure on the side of Mapua. As the frame progressed, the Lady Knights began to inch away, leaving the Lady Cardinals in the dust and taking set three at a score of 25-17.
In the fourth set, the Lady Knights took the lead early as they quickly capitalized on the errors from the side of Mapua. With the Lady Knights sitting on a nine point lead, it seemed that the match was already over, but Mapua refused to bow. The Lady Cardinals came back to within one point but ultimately, it was Nitura who closed the doors on Mapua 25-21.
Freighanne Garcia recorded 22 points with 21 spikes for the Lady Cardinals. Alexander Leabres tallied 11, while Diandrah Yabut and Alyana Ong scored seven points each.
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights kept their winning streak intact after defeating the Mapua Cardinals 3-1 yesterday at the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Vince Himzon shined for the Knights as he tallied 21 points and four blocks. Dave Lardizabal was not far behind, ending the game with 19 points and 18 spikes, while Bembem Bautista concluded the match with 17 markers and 16 spikes.
The intensity was instantly felt in the opening minutes of the match, Mapua led early, but not by much. The tandem of Himzon and Ambrocio cranked the pressure right off the bat, scoring left and right while the Cardinals struggled to keep up. The set concluded 25-16, on back-to-back points from Lardizabal.
Mapua bounced back right away, drawing first blood in set two, but Lardizabal and Bautista fired right back. The second set was closer compared to the first, both teams exchanged blows but neither could cling to a significant advantage. The defense of the Cardinals tightened up, as the Knights struggled to reclaim the lead. Letran managed to force a set extension but ultimately came up short as the Cardinals secured set two, 24-26.
The back-and-forth scoring resumed in the third, long rallies became a staple as the set was close all throughout. The scoring of Lardizabal and Bautista kept the match close for Letran, while Mapua’s Arjay Ramos manned the Cardinals’ offense. The Knights took set point at 23-22 but the Cardinals managed to force another extension. In the end, it was Ambrocio and Himzon who scored the final two points to snatch set three at 30-28.
The match remained intense in the final set, multiple deadlocks were seen as both teams were unwilling to back down. Halfway through the frame, the Knights managed to grab a five point lead, the biggest of the set. The suffocating defense of the Knights carried them through the fourth and final round, multiple successful digs and blocks made it difficult for Mapua to get any offense going, and as Letran slowly got closer to match point, the Cardinals were left with no answers as the Knights cruised to victory, 25-22.
Arjay Ramos led the charge for Mapua, scoring 21 points along with 20 spikes. Marlowe Jamisola contributed 16, while John San Andres ended with 15.
The Letran Knights and Lady Knights are set to battle against the College of Saint Benilde on Sunday, February 22, at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.