NCAA

Fiery win for Letran

February 20, 2023 Theodore P. Jurado 353 views

ROOKIE Judiel Nitura hammered back-to-back kills that gave Letran a 25-20, 25-23, 28-26 win over fabled rival San Beda for a winning start in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex yesterday.

It was the substitutes who closed out the match for the Lady Knights in the extended third set, as playmaker Natalie Estreller set up Nitura for the last two points that shattered the 26-26 tie.

Letran prevailed in the season opener despite Cha Cuñada, who steered the Intramuros-based squad to a beach volleyball championship last month, not fielded in.

Impressive during the off season, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta also opened its campaign on a high note with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-16 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Daisy Melendres took the scoring mantle for the Lady Knights with 15 points, including five blocks and two service aces, and collected five digs while Nitura added eight points.

Kleiner Abraham and Chynna Castillo each scored 10 points, Kat Molina and Marianne Tayag had nine points apiece while Trisha Paras had three blocks for a eight-point outing for the Lady Red Spikers.

In the men’s division, Kenrod Umali had 18 kills and 10 receptions as San Beda won its season opener at the expense of Letran, 28-26, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23.

Mary Rhose Dapol had three service aces to finish with 17 points and six receptions while Shaila Omipon had 16 kills to power the Lady Altas to their first win.

Cathrine Almazan paced the Lady Generals with 14 points, including two blocks, while Jennifer Omapas added eight kills.

Ralph Cabalsa added 16 points and five digs while Ryan Rosman had three service aces to.finish with 13 points for the Red Spikers.

Vince Himzon led the Knights with 21 points on 17-of-31 spikes, and had three blocks, Michael Doria added three aces and two blocks for a 13-point outing while Justine Alejandro chipped in 13 points.

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