The Letran Lady Knights and Benilde Lady Blazers kicked off the Final Four of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament with victories in Game 1 of their respective semifinal series on Sunday.
Letran Continues Winning Streak After Beating San Beda
The Letran Lady Knights moved a step closer to another finals appearance after defeating the San Beda Lady Red Spikers 20-25, 28-26, 25-21, 28-26.
San Beda came out strong early, taking the first set as the Lady Red Spikers capitalized on their offensive rhythm. Letran responded in the second set, edging out San Beda in a tense extended battle to level the match.
The Lady Knights carried the momentum into the third set, tightening their defense while finding timely attacks as they moved ahead in the contest.
The fourth set turned into another dramatic showdown. Letran held a slim 24-23 advantage before San Beda strung together two straight points to reach set point at 25-24. The Lady Knights answered immediately to extend the frame, but the Lady Red Spikers kept the pressure on and tied the set at 26-all.
Judiel Nitura eventually delivered in the clutch for Letran, producing crucial points down the stretch before San Beda’s unsuccessful block-touch challenge ultimately sealed the victory for the Lady Knights.
The third year star for Letran scored 25 points built on 20 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Vanessa Sarie also turned in an all-around performance with 17 points, 21 digs, and 14 receptions.
For San Beda, Angel Habacon also had 25 points while adding 13 receptions and 12 digs. Janelle Bachar chipped in 16 points in the losing effort.
With the win, Letran moved one victory away from returning to the finals.
Benilde Escapes Perpetual in Five Sets
The Benilde Lady Blazers escaped the Perpetual Lady Altas, 25-17, 18-25, 25-27, 25-19, 15-8, in a gripping five-setter.
The defending champions started strong by taking the opening set, but Perpetual responded in the second to level the match. The Lady Altas then edged the Lady Blazers in a tightly contested third frame to move ahead.
Facing a potential deficit in the series, the Lady Blazers regrouped in the fourth set all thanks to their potential MVP of Season 101, Zam Nolasco,who had another 20-point performance this season. Both Clydel Catarig and sophomore Shekaina Lleses had timely hits for the Lady Blazers in Set 4 to take the match to a deciding fifth set.
Setter Chenae Basarte orchestrated Benilde’s offense in the fifth set, allowing their spikers, Nolasco and Catarig, to dominate. And after the mid-court switch with the defending champions leading, 8-7, the other half of the Llleses twins, Ashley, provided a spark off the bench to seal the Game 1 victory for Benilde
Nolasco led Benilde with a stellar performance of 28 points anchored on 21 attacks and 7 blocks. Kyle Lleses delivered an all-around effort with 16 points, 17 receptions, and 15 digs, while Clydel Catarig added 15 points.
Jem Menor and Shai Omipon paced the Lady Altas with 18 points each in the losing effort.
With the win, the Lady Blazers moved one step closer to their fifth consecutive finals appearance as they continue their bid for a historic five-Peat.
Game 2 of both series is scheduled on Wednesday, March 25, at the San Andres Sports Complex.
