NCCA UPDATE. Letran's Marie Judiel Nitura (No. 1) delivers a powerful spike against Jose Rizal University's Shanine Pretta (No. 15) and Khreiszantha Gayle Batara (No. 16) in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday (April 19, 2024). The Lady Knights won, 25-16, 25-19, 25-19. (NCAA photo)
MANILA – Letran downed Jose Rizal University, 25-16, 25-19, 25-19, to gain a share of the lead in the NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Friday.
Marie Judiel Nitura had 16 attacks as the Lady Knights rolled to their fourth win to join defending champion College of Saint Benilde on top of the standings.
The Lady Blazers defeated the San Sebastian College Lady Stags, 25-13, 23-25, 25-13, 25-14, last Wednesday to keep their clean record.
Gia Marcel Maquilang chipped in 15 points while Nizelle Aeriyen Martin added nine points for Letran, which needed one hour and 29 minutes to wrap up the match.
“I’m really happy that we're here, but the job is not yet done and the NCAA is still far from over. I guess we just had a good start. We have to continue working hard and we need to seek to improve," Letran coach Oliver Almadro said.
The win boosted Letran's confidence as it gears up against three-peat-seeking CSB on Sunday. The Lady Blazers have won 33 straight matches dating back four years ago.
“We have to taper our expectations because our opponents are getting tougher, this will be our test," Almadro said.
Karyla Rafaela Jasareno finished with seven spikes and one ace, while Patricia Anne Del Pilar contributed six points for the JRU Lady Bombers (1-3).
Meanwhile, action will continue on Saturday with University of Perpetual Help taking on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 7 a.m. in the men's division followed by the women's match at 9 a.m.
Emilio Aguinaldo College will meet Mapua at 2 p.m. in the women's division, followed by the men's tussle at 5:30 p.m. (PNA)
