Colegio de San Juan de Letran survived a reverse sweep attempt by Emilio Aguinaldo College to escape with a 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 25-27, 15-13 victory in NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball Friday at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage, the Lady Knights preserved their unblemished record and improved to 10-0 in the tournament.
The Lady Generals appeared poised to complete the comeback after taking a 4-1 lead in the fifth set, but Letran quickly regrouped to tie it at 5-all.
Judiel Nitura restored the lead for the Lady Knights, followed by an ace from Leonilyn Padilla. Marielle Dequilla then trimmed the deficit for EAC before Letran created separation at 9-7. Angel Pasaol and Cara Dayanan then responded to knot the score at 9-all.
A back-row attack from Vanessa Sarie pushed Letran ahead anew, but EAC countered to grab a 12-10 advantage.
Dayanan’s attack sailed out, then Nitura delivered back-to-back points to swing the momentum back to Letran. A position error by EAC handed the Lady Knights match point. Dayanan saved one to extend the match, but Nitura once again came through to seal the victory.
Nitura finished with a game-high 21 points to lead Letran. Sarie and Nicen Colendra added 13 and 11 points, respectively, with Sarie also tallying 13 digs and five receptions. Lara Mae Silva anchored the defense with 33 digs.
For EAC, Dayanan scored 19 points built on 16 attacks, while Erica Bodonal and Alex Razonable contributed 18 and 17 points, respectively. Ashley Toriado chipped in 12 points, and Dequilla recorded 16 of the Lady Generals’ 22 excellent sets in the loss.
EAC remained winless through 10 matches.
Letran will face Lyceum of the Philippines University next on Wednesday, while EAC will face San Beda University on Sunday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
