The Letran Lady Knights are going to the Finals of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after beating the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, 25–18, 25–19, 23–25, 25–21, in their do-or-die semis Game 3 on Saturday.
Coming off their first loss of the season in Game 2, which broke their 15-game winning streak, the Lady Knights bounced back with a composed performance, dominating the first two sets behind steady offense and disciplined defense to put San Beda on the brink of elimination.
San Beda Fights Back, Letran Responds
The Lady Red Spikers responded in the third set, building a commanding 22-15 lead behind Chynna Castillo, Janelle Bachar, and Sofia Dela Cruz.
Letran mounted a late rally, closing the gap to within one after an 8-2 run capped by Joralyn Panangin and Gia Maquilang. However, a service error halted their comeback and allowed San Beda to extend the match.
In the fourth set, Letran regained control behind Judiel Nitura, who delivered consecutive attacks to spark a crucial run and give the Lady Knights a 16-13 advantage.
San Beda attempted to rally behind Bachar, but a costly service error by Angel Habacon pushed Letran to match point. Nitura then sealed the win with a powerful attack through the block to clinch the finals berth.
Nitura led the Lady Knights with 18 points, while Vanessa Sarie added 15 markers, and Gia Maquilang contributed 13 in her return to the starting lineup. Veteran libero Lara Mae Silva anchored the defense with a remarkable 38 digs and 13 receptions.
Bachar paced San Beda with 19 points, while Habacon added 9 markers, along with double-digit digs and receptions.
Letran vs. Benilde: A Finals Trilogy
With the victory, Letran advanced to its third straight finals appearance, setting up another championship showdown against four-time defending champion Benilde Lady Blazers.
Game 1 of the finals will be on April 5, Sunday, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. San Beda, on the other hand, will face the Perpetual Help Lady Altas in the battle for bronze.
