Colegio de San Juan de Letran extended its win streak to three after a reverse sweep victory against Jose Rizal University, 14-25, 16-25, 25-20, 25-17, 17-15 in the NCAA Season 98 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
With the win, the Lady Knights (4-1) eliminated the Lady Bombers from playoff contention (0-6).
After an underwhelming first two sets, Letran found a gem in Julienne Castro, who came off the bench. She finished with 16 points built on 14 attacks, a block, and an ace.
The Lady Knights’ head coach Michael Inoferio credited JRU’s great start as they capitalized on the Lady Knights’ error early in the game.
“Wala kaming service e. Kung may service man, magaan. So kumbaga sinamantala ng JRU. No excuse, pero panget talaga first two sets namin,” he said.
From there, Letran slowly but surely clawed back into the game. It found itself in a deadlock at 13-all. The Lady Bombers were able to get series points thrice, but Letran just refused to let go.
Tied at 15 apiece, Cha Cuñada scored a service ace followed by an Angelique Ledesma attack, securing the comeback victory.
Additionally, for the Lady Knights, Judiel Nitura scored 15 markers, while Lara Silva finished with 30 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Riza Rosa, on the other hand, led JRU with a game-high 23 points coming from 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Arellano University secured a much-needed win while eliminating San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the process, 27-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-15.
The Lady Chiefs joined Mapua University and Lyceum of the Philippines University in the jammed fourth spot with a 4-2 record. Meanwhile, the Lady Stags joined JRU (0-6) who are out of the Final Four contention.
Marianne Padillon top-scored Arellano with 20 points, 19 coming from attacks.
After losing the second set, the Lady Chiefs started to gain momentum as they took the third canto with a convincing 25-17 scoreline. From there, they did not look back, blowing the game wide open in the fourth. They even led by as much as 10 twice capped by Lorraine Pecana’s game-clinching attack.
Laika Tudlasan and Pauline De Guzman finished with 12 and 11 respectively.
Christina Marasigan led San Sebastian with 16 markers, 14 coming from attacks. Jewelle Bermillo added 17 excellent digs.
