Letran beats Mapua ahead of NCAA women's volleyball Final Four
NCAA
Colegio de San Juan de Letran defeated fellow Final Four-bound Mapua University, 34-36, 25-18, 25-17, 25-22, on Wednesday in the NCAA Season 100 women's volleyball tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Letran finished the elimination round with a 15-3 record while Mapua secured the fourth spot with 11-7.
After Letran claimed the third set, both teams tried to take an early advantage but the fourth set started tight, 10-10. Letran eventually pulled away, 16-11, before Nicole Ong gave a glimmer of hope for the Lady Cardinals. The likes of Gia Maquilang, Jade Isar, and Niccen Colendra led the rally for Letran as they pulled away, 23-16.
Greg Cabadin, Raissa Ricablanca, a Letran attack error, and Nicole Ong trimmed Mapua's deficit to three before Colendra stopped the Lady Knights' dry spell and put them at match point. Colendra's attack then went outside but an unsuccessful net touch challenge salvaged one more for Mapua. Eventually, Isar sealed the victory in the match which lasted for two hours and 24 minutes.
For head coach Oliver Almadro, the win served as a test of character for the players, especially with the semifinals coming.
"This [is] a test of character and a learning process. We're happy na no matter what, we still won," Almadro said.
"Maraming kailangan aralin pa para maging mas flawless pa."
Maquilang, who came off the bench, had 22 points built on 19 attacks and two blocks, while Vanessa Sarie and Judiel Nitura had 15 points apiece. Sarie also had 14 digs and 10 receptions.
Raissa Ricablanca led the Lady Cardinals with 18 points, while Ong and Freighanne Garcia added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Letran's final placement will be determined by Friday as De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde will still play Lyceum of the Philippines University.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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