LETRAN pinned Lyceum of the Philippines University its first loss while halting a two-match slide with a 24-26, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 victory in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Lady Knights, looking for their first Final Four appearance since reaching the Finals in back-to-back years (2011-12), raised their record to 5-2 in third place.

The defeat derailed the Lady Pirates’ march to the Final Four as they dropped to a 6-1 slate.

Three-peat seeking College of Saint Benilde is the remaining unbeaten team in the season with a 7-0 card.

Rookie sensation Gia Maquilang starred for Letran with a solid all-around game of 18 points, 16 digs and eight receptions while fellow newcomer Yen Martin chipped in 16 points, including three blocks.

Later, Kath Santos was clutch as San Sebastian finally nailed its first victory at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 17-25, 25-13, 26-24, 27-25.

Jaja Tulang paced LPU with 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks while Joan Doguna and Hiromi Osada contributed in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lady Stags snapped a six-match losing streak while the Lady Generals remained winless in seven contests.

“Ako nagre-rely doon sa mga senior players ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi nila madala ang mga bata,” San Sebastian coach Roger Gorayeb told broadcaster GTV.

Bucking an right ankle sprain in the first set, Santos finished 17 points and collected 12 digs to lead the way for the Lady Stags.

In the men’s division, Vince Himzon had 22 points, including two blocks to tow Letran past LPU, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, to keep its Final Four hopes alive with a 4-3 record.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado