Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights strengthened its hold on top of the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball after overcoming College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 15-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-15, 15-10, on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The Lady Knights leaned on the combined efforts of Judiel Nitura, Gia Maquilang, and Vanessa Sarie to overcome the reigning four-time champions and extend their unbeaten streak to nine matches in Group B.
Nitura led the Lady Knights with 22 points, delivering the decisive block that secured match point in the deciding frame as they avenged their loss to the Lady Blazers in Season 100 Finals.
Maquilang contributed across multiple fronts with a triple-double performance of 16 points, 18 digs, and 12 receptions, while Sarie added 13 points, including a crucial service ace that finished off the contest.
The Lady Blazers appeared poised to take control early in the fifth set after building a 4-1 advantage. However, Letran quickly answered behind consecutive attacks from Maquilang to even the score.
The Lady Blazers briefly regained the lead at 7-6, but the Lady Knights responded with a decisive run highlighted by Sarie’s back-to-back hits to seize a 10-8 advantage.
Letran maintained its momentum down the stretch, with Nitura and Leonilyn Padilla combining for a block to push the Lady Knights to match point. Sarie then delivered the final blow from the service line to complete the comeback victory.
The victory also placed Letran in a strong position to secure a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinal round.
Clydel Catarig led the Lady Blazers with 19 points, while Zam Nolasco added 17 in the losing effort. They fell to 6-3 in Group A.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas halt a reverse sweep by the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 22-25, 17-15. Cyrille Almeniana scored a team-high 18 points for the Lady Altas.
