One roster turned a slight inconsistency into a perfect group phase rally, while the other displayed their fury to continue their chase for that fifth straight glory.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CJSL) and the four-peat champ De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) slashed past San Beda University (SBU) and Jose Rizal University (JRU) via 3–1, 3–0 wins, respectively in the NCAA Season 101 women's volleyball group phase.
Letran’s Lady Knights endured a lethargic start to drub the Lady Red Spikers in a 17–25, 25–13, 25–13, 25–13 reverse sweep, widening their spotless Group A run at the San Andres Sports Complex.
Just when SBU created a 1–0 set-edge, their spurt was sputtered as Letran sparked a comeback with coordinated plays to secure triumph on Wednesday afternoon.
With their victory, CJSL expanded their flawless bid at 4–0 in Group A, handing San Beda’s its first loss as they settled in a 3–1 buffer.
Judiel Nitura became the Lady Knights’ topscorer with 22 points, consisting of 19 attacks and two aces, capped by a block to fuel their surge.
Stuffing the score sheet was also Gia Maquilang and Vannesa Sarie, who secured 14 apiece with the former adding 18 digs and seven receptions.
But one team also stood in the spotlight.
Dominating in straight sets, the four-time titleholder Benilde maintained their title defense in the group phase, upending Lady Bombers, 25–15, 25–18, 25–18, on the same day.
The Lady Blazers jumpstarted their upswing early on as spearheads Zam Naloso and Camila Bartolome crafted key plays that established their blowout.
Meanwhile, the Jerry Yee-guided squad claimed double digits with Naloso and Bartolome’s 20 and 12 markers, individually.
Their supremacy marked the team’s back-to-back wins after faltering on Sunday over Perpetual.
The two powerhouses will eye for more triumphs in their corresponding groups.
Written by Vince Garcia, Insight PH
Vince Garcia, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
