GAMES FRIDAY
(The Arena, San Juan)
12 p.m. – Letran vs. CSB (M)
2:30 p.m. – Arellano vs. Mapua (M)
LETRAN humbled Arellano University yesterday, scoring a 30-28, 25-12, 25-21 in the semifinals of the 100th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament to book a spot in the finals at The Arena in San Juan.
Letran made its second straight finals appearance in the grand old league behind opposite spiker Judiel Nitura, who led the squad with 17 points built on 15 attacks and two kill blocks, while outside hitter Gia Maquilang was three digs shy of a triple-double, coming up with 13 hits, 16 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Also making pivotal contributions to Letran’s cause were rookie Vanessa Sarie, who fired 15 markers, all on attacks and caught eight excellent receptions, while setter Nat Estreller had 16 excellent sets and scored four points.
The Lady Knights forged a return battle against defending titlist and four-peat seeking College of St. Benilde, which dumped the Mapua University Lady Cardinals in the semifinals.
“Well, it’s an opportunity for me to give back to Letran and I would like to commend my former coaches who brought the culture in Letran na na-instill sa akin and now ibinabalik ko,” said Letran coach Oliver Almadro.
“Iyon ang gusto naming ibalik, iyong 20 years ago, ano ba iyong Letran. Iyon lang ang sabi ko sa mga players namin if you want to change the story, we have to change the culture. So iyon naman muna, iyong winning darating basta willing sila sa change,” he added.
Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is set this Sunday, June 8, at the same venue.
Open spiker Laika Tudlasan was the lone bright spot for the Lady Chiefs with 13 markers.
Arellano takes on Mapua in a winner-take-all battle for the bronze also on Sunday.
In men’s play, the Arellano Chiefs turned back the Mapua Cardinals to force a do-or-die semifinals 21-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-13.
AC Guinto propelled the Chiefs with 19 points, Carl Berdal contributed 13 markers, while Jake Pangilinan and Jiwen Sinuto chipped in 11 points apiece in the come-from-behind victory.
The two squads will meet anew on Friday for a chance to march in the championships.
