SHOWING they are ready for the Final Four, the Letran Lady Knights turned back fellow semifinalists Mapua University Lady Cardinals 34-36, 25-18, 25-17, 25-22 yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.
Sophomore outside hitter Gia Maquilang dropped a game-high 22 points to lead the Lady Knights while rookie Vanessa Sarie delivered on both ends with 15 markers, 11 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Also making their presence felt for Letran were opposite hitter Judiel Nitura and middle blocker Royce Dela Cruz who had 15 and 10 points, respectively.
The Lady Knights amassed a 15-3 record after the eliminations and will wait the reigning champions College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers’ final elims game to determined if Letran will claim the top seed.
“Well, sabi ko sa team, going to the match a while ago we might win, we might lose. What’s important is what’s the learning and how do we improve in mga ganitong sitwasyon kasi Mapua is strong team sila rin ang mga nakatalo sa CSB sa last round,” Lady Knights coach Oliver Almadro said. “So, we have to test our character iyong ganong klaseng sitwasyon ganoon klaseng kalaban na malalaki, matibay so gaano kami ka-katibay hanggang dulo. So, iyon naman iyong ano namin iyong need namin.
“We have to be consistent mapa-starting six o hindi pa starting six, don’t let up and be consistent. So, hindi lang naman kasi ito iyong goal. Goal is to be on top na you end up on top sa dulo ng ng tournament. So, it will really be a test of character and the learning process. Learning talaga iyong kanina,” he added.
The Lady Cardinals finished the elims with an 11-7 card.
Raissa Ricablanca paced Mapua with 18 points, while Nicole Ong and Freighanne Garcia chipped in 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
In the second match, the San Beda University Lady Red Spikers ended their campaign with a 25-12, 25-15, 20-25, 25-22 win over the Perpetua Help Lady Altas.
