By: Rylie San Juan
After bowing to the Lady Blazers in the finals for three straight seasons, the crown is finally back in Muralla. The Letran Lady Knights ended Benilde’s five-peat hopes after taking them down in game three with a final tally of 15-25, 25-17, 26-24, 17-25, 15-12.
Nicen Colendra shined for 23 points on 21 attacks, paired with a block and an ace. The sophomore, Vanessa Sarie, added in 19 points with 15 receptions, Gia Maquilang concluded the season with a triple-double, scoring 17 points, with 17 receptions and 13 successful digs.
The Lady Blazers showcased their championship spirit in the first set, outclassing the Lady Knights with powerful attacks and spikes. The veteran, Zam Nolasco led the charge for Benilde as they secured set one at a dominating score of 25-15.
In the following set, Letran was quick to fire back, Sarie and Maquilang made their presence felt on the offensive end, scoring consistently for the Lady Knights. While the season’s best libero, Lara Silva, continued to hold down the fort on the defensive end. Set two concluded at 25-17, as the Lady Knights tied the match at one apiece.
The third set brought out the best from both teams, long rallies ensued as neither wanted to give the upper hand. Fans remained on edge, while players continued to battle it out to take the lead. The matchup was tight, Benilde was able to force a set extension but still came up short as the Lady Knights snatched set three at 26-24, to go up two sets to one.
Set four saw a Benilde squad that was out for blood, Nolasco and Clydel Catarig overpowered the Lady Knights with cross-court attacks, while their blocks significantly denied the scoring of Letran. The fourth set ended at 17-25, with Benilde forcing a fifth and final set.
The Lady Knights entered set five with a quick 4-1 run led by Colendra and Sarie, the scoring went both ways as the frame stayed close all throughout. A final deadlock at 12 points was seen, followed by a 3-0 run topped off by a service ace from Joralyn Panangin which sealed the match for the Lady Knights, ending their season 101 run as champions.
MVP Zam Nolasco tallied 27 markers for Benilde, Clydel Catarig recorded 17 points, while Shekainah Lleses concluded the match with 12 for the Lady Blazers.