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Letran topples Benilde, returns to NCAA men's volleyball finals after 15 seasons

NCAA Colegio de San Juan de Letran toppled twice-to-beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 22-25, 28-26, 25-14, 25-20, in the do-or-die match of the NCAA men's volleyball Final Four to return to the finals after 15 seasons. The Knights last appeared in the finals in Season 85 in 2009 when they completed a three-peat. After two tight sets, the Intramuros-based squad dominated the Blazers, leading as much as 21-9 in the third set before claiming the said frame. In the third set alone, the Knights had 14 attacks against Benilde's nine points, while the former only had four errors against the latter's seven. In the fourth set, Letran had an early 8-3 lead before Benilde caught up, 11-9. The Blazers inched closer, 18-17, but Vince Himzon ignited Letran's late rally to claim the victory. Rocky Roy Motol's attack went outside to hand Letran a three-point advantage but a Jacob Herrera attack gave a glimmer of hope for Benilde. Bembem Bautista then scored back-to-back for Letran but a running attack from John Austero stopped the bleeding for Benilde. Bautista then closed the match for Letran as he made the Knights' final three points en route to his 27-point eruption. "Very overwhelming 'yung nangyari kasi 'yung kalaban natin talagang dinominate nila ang first and second round. Kami bilang challenger, sabi ko sa mga bata, hindi dapat matapos ang Season 100 nang wala tayong napatunayan," Letran head coach Brian Esquibel said in the broadcast. Bautista had 24 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Vince Himzon had 18 points as the Knights secured the first finals spot. Mike Balbacal and Raymark Betco had 15 points apiece, while Motol had 13 points, with James Marasigan adding 10 points for the Blazers. Letran will face the winner of the do-or-die match between the twice-to-beat Mapua Cardinals and the Arellano Chiefs. Game 1 of the finals will be on Sunday. —JKC, GMA Integrated News