By: Rylie San Juan
Photo courtesy of: GMA Sports | NCAA Media
For the third straight season, fans were treated to a showdown between the Letran Lady Knights and the Benilde Lady Blazers in the finals of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, April 5.
Judiel Nitura’s heroics paved the way for the Lady Knights as she racked up 21 markers on 18 attacks, with two aces and a block. The sophomore, Vanessa Sarie, also showed up big time, tallying 19 points all coming from attacks, while Gia Maquilang recorded 18 points to go with 17 excellent digs.
The Lady Knights were off to a rough start in the opening frame, Nitura struggled to find rhythm while Benilde continued their onslaught of attacks. Ball reception became the downfall of Letran early on, which led to the Blazers securing an eight-point lead and nabbing the set from the Lady Knights 17-25.
It was a different look for Letran in set two, the likes of Nitura and Sarie began to pick up the pace as points easily flowed for the Intramuros-based squad. However, Benilde did not back down from the challenge as they stayed within striking distance all throughout the set. A 5-0 run from the Lady Knights sealed the deal for Letran, ending set two at 25-23 and tying the match at one apiece.
The Lady Blazers were out for revenge come the third set, hitting Letran with a barrage of attacks that were too much for the Lady Knights to handle. The scoring remained close for both teams but it was the unforced errors from Letran that gave Benilde the advantage and the set, closing out set three at 20-25.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Knights entered set four with intensity and sheer will. The team ran on all cylinders as everyone on the court did their part to stay in the game. Excellent digs from libero, Lara Silva, made it tough for the opposition to score, while Letran’s gunners, Nitura, Sarie, and Maquilang ensured that points came at a consistent rate. The Lady Knights took set four at a commanding score of 25-14, tying the match at 2-2.
The intensity was cranked up heading into the deciding fifth and final set. With both teams unwilling to back down, the fans were treated to a nail-biting showdown. The opening minutes of set five saw multiple errors from Letran, but it was Maquilang who picked up the slack for the Lady Knights. Benilde’s Zamantha Nolasco, who has been carrying the Lady Blazers all game long, gave the lead back to Benilde, but it was a 7-1 run from the tandem of Nitura and Sarie which closed out a grueling and hard-fought match 15-11.
This win marked the first time that the Lady Blazers lost a finals game since season 99.
Nolasco led Benilde in scoring, racking up 21 points on 19 attacks. Camila Bartolome concluded the game with 15 markers, while Mae Catarig scored 12.
Game 2 of the finals would be on April 8, Wednesday, at the San Andres Sports Complex, Manila.