The Letran Lady Knights have done it.
On Friday, the Intramuros-based squad clinched their first NCAA women’s volleyball championship since 1998 after beating the Benilde Lady Blazers, 15-25, 25-17, 26-24, 17-25, 15-12, in an epic conclusion to Season 101 and a finals showdown for the ages.
Letran Lady Knights Show Nerves of Steel
After a slow start that saw them drop the opening set, the Lady Knights regrouped and took control of the match by claiming the next two frames behind steady offense and improved floor defense.
The Lady Blazers, however, refused to yield as Season MVP Zam Nolasco powered a fourth-set response to force a winner-take-all fifth set.
With the championship on the line, Letran struck first in the decider, racing to a 4-1 lead behind key hits from Nicen Colendra and Vanessa Sarie. Benilde battled back and eventually tied the set at 9-all, setting the stage for a tense finish.
The two squads traded blows until another deadlock at 12-all, but Letran held its composure in the closing stretch. Sarie delivered a crucial attack to break the tie, while Colendra followed with another point to push Letran to match point. Moments later, Joralyn Panangin stepped up and fired the championship-clinching ace that ended Letran’s 28-year title drought.
Judiel Nitura Is Finals MVP, Mayeth Carolino Bags Coach of the Year
Colendra starred off the bench with 23 points, including key hits in the fifth set, while Sarie added 19 markers and 15 receptions. Gia Maquilang contributed a triple-double effort of 17 points, 17 receptions, and 13 digs, while veteran libero Lara Mae Silva anchored the defense with 33 digs in her final game.
Finals MVP honors went to Judiel Nitura, who scored 8 points in the clincher, capping a consistent series after leading Letran in the earlier games.
Letran Lady Knights rookie head coach Mayeth Carolino earned the Coach of the Year award.
Graduating Letran Lady Knights Natalie Estreller, Lara Mae Silva, and LJ Isar ended their NCAA campaign as champions. Meanwhile, Nitura remains undecided on whether she will skip her final collegiate playing year to turn professional.
Benilde’s Five-Peat Dreams Shattered
On the other side, Season 101 MVP Nolasco poured in 27 points in her final collegiate outing, with Clydel Catarig and Shekainah Lleses adding 17 and 12, respectively, but it was not enough as Benilde’s five-peat bid came to an end.
Aside from three-time NCAA champion Nolasco, Season 101 Best Setter Chenae Basarte, along with Cristy Ondangan and Fiona Getingan, also played the last NCAA games of their careers.
