Despite showing mettle, the valiant Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights have clinched just their second win of the season.
The Intramuros spikers shook off the challenge of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in straight sets, 26-24, 25-21, 25-20, Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
King Knight Harold Reyes poured in 17 points for the blue-shirts off 15 attacks to pace his troop. Outside hitter Bobby Gatdula was not far behind with 16 markers on 12 attacks and two each of blocks and aces.
The Bombers started the sets on fire, with wing attackers led by skipper Larry Sioco Jr. clicking.
Thus, Letran head coach Brian Esquibel reminded his squad to focus on their reception.
“Nag-adjust kami dun sa service receive. Dun kami nahihirapan sa service ng JRU. So, nag-try kami ng switching ng libero. Pag ‘di effective, palit, para yung nasa labas makapag-isip. Nakuha namin yung first ball, tapos nakaatake yung first attack namin,” he said.
Knights captain Reyes also told the team to “go hard pa kami para makahabol kami, para makuha namin yung momentum. Tapos hingang malalim, para marelax kami.”
With such adjustment, Letran slowly chipped at the JRU lead and then overtook the latter in the middle portion of the sets. The Bombers tried to recover, but the Knights summoned their better execution to close out the frames and the match.
Sioco paced the Bombers with 11 markers off eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
The Knights will take on the EAC Generals to end their season and coach Esquibel shared that he will remind his boys, especially his graduating seniors, to “always think positive.”
“This is sports eh. Siguro, di namin weather ngayon sa panalo. Kasi yung games namin four sets, five sets, tapos ang thick ng mga laban. Lagi ko lang sinasabi na just play for the school,” he ended.
That match between Letran (2-6) and the EAC Generals (0-8) is scheduled on Monday, January 23. On the other hand, the Bombers (1-7) will battle the defending champions Perpetual Altas (6-1) this Friday, January 20.
The Scores
CSJL (3) – Reyes 17, Gatdula 16, Alilio 7, Sarmiento 4, Cistina 4, Sison 3, Ladeon 1, Dizon 0, Ramos 0, Timbreza L, Centeno L.
JRU (0) – Sioco 11, Dampitan 9, Rabaja 6, Lahaylahay 6, Ferwelo 5, Castillo 1, Francisco 1, Sulivas 0, Cruz 0, Flor L, Defensor L.
