The opening day of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament began on Friday, January 23, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, with the defending champions Benilde Lady Blazers and the Letran Lady Knights hacking out wins in contrasting fashion.
Five-Set Thriller for the Five-Peat-Seeking Lady Blazers
Some fans may have thought that the Benilde Lady Blazers would make quick work of the Mapua Lady Cardinals. But what happened instead was an unexpected five-set slugfest that Benilde ultimately won, 25-21, 20-25, 25-14, 23-25, 17-15.
Zam Nolasco delivered a career-best 29 points as the Lady Blazers leaned on their championship poise in crunch time. Benilde rallied from a late deficit in the deciding set, overcoming multiple match points before sealing the victory through timely plays from Clydel Catarig and Shekainah Lleses.
Catarig and Camila Bartolome provided steady support, while Mapua drew strong performances from Raissa Ricablanca and Nadine Berces despite falling short.
Benilde next faces Perpetual Lady Atlas, while Mapua meets San Sebastian Lady Stags.
Judiel Nitura Shows Steady Leadership for Lady Knights
The Lady Knights, back-to-back runners-up in the NCAA women’s volleyball competition, showed no signs of slowing down despite a coaching change this offseason.
Now handled by Mayeth Carolino, along with her Finnish assistant coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki, Letran swept the Arellano Lady Chiefs, 25-10, 25-17, 25-17, to conclude Friday’s NCAA women’s volleyball action.
Nitura and company needed just one hour and 11 minutes to secure the convincing victory, signaling a promising start to their campaign. The 23-year-old outside hitter powered Letran with 18 points built on efficient attacking, while Jade Isar added 10 markers. Vanessa Sarie contributed 9 points along with solid floor defense, finishing with 5 excellent digs and receptions. Arellano tried to extend the match after leading early in the third set, but Letran quickly seized control behind a decisive run to close the contest.
Crisanta Servidad topped the Lady Chiefs with 9 points in the loss.
Letran next faces off with the EAC Generals, while Arellano goes up against the Lyceum Lady Pirates.
Benilde vs. Letran Part 3?
Incidentally, Friday’s winners were the finalists of Seasons 99 and 100, with Benilde coming out on top both times. With their respective wins to open the season, the Lady Blazers and Lady Knights took the first steps toward a possible third meeting for the championship later on down the road.
The Lady Blazers uncharacteristically wobbled in their first match and will need to step up their game after Mycah Go’s graduation. But they will be the team to beat regardless, as long as Nolasco delivers like the star that she is. The Lady Knights, meanwhile, looked impressive in their debut, with Nitura still looking impressive and now having more help, notably from Vanessa Sarie, who figures to share the offensive load.
Of course, it’s too early to tell if Letran and Benilde will arrange a trilogy. But what’s for certain is that Season 101 of NCAA women’s volleyball promises to be one exciting thrill ride.
