In their final elimination game, Colegio de San Juan de Letran played spoiler in the NCAA Season 98 women's volleyball tournament as it outlasted Arellano University in a five-setter, 21-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 on Saturday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Cha Cuñada, Judiel Nitura, and Lea Tapang chipped in 15 points each for the Lady Knights to cap their season with a 5-4 card. Aside from Cunada's scoring effort, she was also reliable on defense as she made 21 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
The win spoiled Moming Padillon and Laika Pablo's 15-point performances for the Lady Chiefs (4-4), who will still play Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday.
"It's a gift sa graduating students ko ngayon, pito sila. At least umalis sila ng medyo masaya," Letran Knights coach Mike Inoferio said about the win. "At saka siyempre sa matitira, it's a memory na madadala nila sa susunod na season."
("It's a gift to this year's graduating students, there are seven of them. At least they will leave somewhat happy... And for those who will remain, it's a memory they can carry with them to next season.")
The win also gave Lyceum of the Philippines University and Mapua University slots in the Final Four as they already have at least six wins each. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA earlier booked their slots to the semifinals.
It will be the first time that Arellano will miss the Final Four since 2011. LPU, meanwhile, will make its first Final Four appearance in women's volleyball since joining the league in 2011.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
