The Letran Lady Knights are off to a strong start in the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament thanks to a rousing sweep of the Arellano Lady Chiefs on Friday. And leading the way, unsurprisingly, was Judiel Nitura, who has been one of Letran’s anchors these past few years.
Nitura fired a team-high 18 points in Letran’s opening-day win and proved yet again that she’s one of the team’s best players. Even so, she knows there’s still a lot to work on in her game.
Defense Is a Priority for Judiel Nitura
In particular, the 23-year-old told reporters after the match that improving her defense is a must despite being an opposite hitter.
“Personal game ko, siguro ‘yung sa defense kasi malaking factor ‘yan dahil nanggaling naman na ako sa iba’t ibang coaching staff, ‘yung mga coaches na pumunta dito, so ‘yun talagang na-improve ko lalo kay Coach O, siyempre,” Nitura said.
She’s referring to her former coach, Oliver Almadro, who helmed the Lady Knights for two seasons and steered them to back-to-back finals appearances in Season 99 (2024) and Season 100 (2025).
“’Yun talaga kasi ‘yung defense na sinasabi niya, hindi lang siya biro. Kailangan ng team, kailangan namin, kailangan ko. Hindi lang dahil opposite hitter ako,” she added. “So, doon pa lang nakakatulong na daw kaagad ako para tumaas lalo agad ‘yung level at umayos ako at hindi lang puro palo.”
Letran Preparing for the Unexpected
The eldest of the Nitura siblings then shared with the media that the Lady Knights are making it a point to be prepared for the unexpected.
“’Yung pinaka-ano naman namin bawat game and training, kailangan talaga mag-prepare kasi hindi naman siya palaging okay ang mangyayari sa game. May mga mangyayari talaga na hindi mo inaasahan, pero kailangan mong labanan,” she pointed out.
While Letran prepares to overcome the unexpected, it’s clear they can expect Judiel Nitura to be a constant, steady presence for the team, be it on offense and even on defense. In fact, as in their two runners-up finishes over the last two seasons, Nitura figures to play a big role in the Lady Knights’ push for glory—especially with her improving defensive prowess.
Fortunately for Judiel Nitura, she’ll have plenty of help along the way, especially from Vanessa Sarie and Jade Isar.
