Colegio de San Juan de Letran, under new head coach Mayeth Carolino, opened a new era in its program with a quick sweep of Arellano University, 25-10, 25-17, 25-17, on Friday in the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Carolino replaced Oliver Almadro, who steered Letran to back-to-back runner-up finishes.
The opening match lasted only one hour and 11 minutes, with Judiel Nitura leading the Lady Knights with 18 points anchored on 15 attacks.
The Lady Chiefs led 4-0 in the third set in an attempt to extend the match before the Intramuros-based squad went on a 7-2 run to take the lead. Crisanta Servidad tied the set anew before Vanessa Sarie put Letran back in front as the Lady Knights eventually found their groove en route to victory.
“Lahat naman ng plan at pinag-practice at pinagpaguran namin is nagawa naman namin,” Carolino said of the victory.
“Sa adjustment sa mga bata, hindi naman ganoon kahirap. May Finnish coach din kami so hindi rin kami gaano nag-adjust.”
Carolino was referring to assistant coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki, who called the shots for Letran in other leagues.
Lahteenmaki, according to Carolino, runs Letran’s training sessions, while she stands on the sidelines during NCAA games.
“It so happened na dito sa NC, hindi siya puwede maging head coach kasi bawal ang foreign coach.”
Still, the redemption tour continues for the Lady Knights.
“Training pa rin nang training kasi doon pa rin mag-start lahat. Kung ano ang pine-prepare namin sa training, ‘yun ang lalabas sa game so stick lang kami sa system and makinig lagi sa coaches,” Nitura said.
Aside from Nitura, Jade Isar had 10 points for Letran, while Sarie finished with nine points, five excellent digs, and five excellent receptions.
Servidad was the highest scorer for Arellano with nine points.
Letran will be back in action on Sunday against Emilio Aguinaldo College, while Arellano will face Lyceum of the Philippines University on Tuesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
