MANILA, Philippines — The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights put on all their armor and came out firing on all cylinders to end the four-year reign of College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in NCAA women’s volleyball.
Letran secured the championship after prevailing in a grueling five-set match, 15-25, 25-17, 26-24, 17-25, 15-12, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the NCAA Season 101 Finals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Friday.
The win ended Letran's 27-year title drought in women’s volleyball. This is the ninth championship for the Lady Knights, who last won the title back to back in Seasons 73 and 74 before Friday.
That Season 74 team featured Mayeth Carolino as the star player of the Intramuros-based squad. She led Letran to the championship anew on Friday but this time as head coach.
“Sobrang saya. Ito ‘yong laging pinagppray namin, bago pa lang kami mag-start, day one pa lang, gusto na agad namin mag champion,” said Carolino, who was also named Coach of the Year.
“Sa mga players ko, thank you sa inyong lahat. You made history.”
In Game 3, the Lady Knights was led by Nicen Colendra, who came off the bench to score 23 points.
Vanessa Sarie added 19 points and 15 receptions even as Gia Maquilang made a heroic triple-double performance of 17 points, 17 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
Finals MVP Judiel Nitura anchored Letran’s championship charge with eight points, following her 21-point explosion in Game 1 and a steady nine-point outing in Game 2.
On the other side of the net, Season 101 MVP Zam Nolasco finished with 27 points while Clydel Catarig and Shekainah Lleses scored 17 and 12 points, respectively for St. Benilde.