Letran defeats Benilde in a dramatic five-set match, securing their first NCAA women's volleyball title in 28 years. Read our in-depth analysis, future outlook, and why this victory matters.
In a stunning display of grit and determination, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights have captured the NCAA Season 101 women's volleyball championship, ending a long 28-year title drought. The Lady Knights triumphed over the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in a thrilling five-set match held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Friday, April 10th.
The final score was 15-25, 25-17, 26-24, 17-25, 15-12, a testament to the seesaw battle that unfolded between the two powerhouse teams. This victory not only marks Letran's first championship in nearly three decades but also halts Benilde's attempt at a rare five-peat.
Verenicce Colendra emerged as the unexpected star for Letran, delivering crucial points in the deciding fifth set. With the Lady Knights trailing by two, Colendra, along with Vanessa Sarie and Gia Maquilang, stepped up with timely hits to turn the tide. Colendra finished the game with an impressive 23 points.
Zam Nolasco led the charge for Benilde, putting up a valiant effort to keep her team in contention. However, the combined efforts of Colendra and Sarie in the final stretch, capped off by a service ace from Joralyn Panangin, sealed the victory for Letran.
Despite Colendra's stellar performance, Judiel Nitura, sister of Adamson's UAAP star Shai Nitura, was named the Finals MVP. Nitura expressed her gratitude and attributed their success to the guidance of their coaches, both past and present. She acknowledged their significant growth under their tutelage, particularly highlighting the impact of debutant coach Mayeth Carolino.
Nitura stated, "We worked really hard for this, and we wouldn't waste this opportunity if we didn't think we could do it."
Aside from Colendra's 23 points and Nitura's contributions, Vanessa Sarie added 19 points for Letran. Gia Maquilang delivered a triple-double performance with 17 points, 17 receptions, and 13 digs. For Benilde, Nolasco scored a game-high 27 points, while Clydel Catarig and Shekainah Lleses contributed 17 and 12 points respectively, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
For Letran's rookie coach Mayeth Carolino, this championship win is a full-circle moment. Carolino, a former Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player for Letran, was also part of their last championship team in 1998. Her leadership and guidance played a crucial role in leading the Lady Knights to victory this season. Carolino was also awarded Coach of the Year.
This victory is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it ends a long period of frustration for Letran volleyball fans who have waited patiently for a championship. Secondly, it demonstrates the power of perseverance and teamwork. The Lady Knights faced a tough opponent in Benilde and had to overcome numerous challenges to achieve their goal.
Thirdly, the emergence of players like Verenicce Colendra highlights the importance of having a deep bench and being able to rely on different players to step up when needed. This could inspire other teams to nurture a diverse talent pool. Finally, this win is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Coach Carolino and her coaching staff.
In our opinion, Letran's victory can be attributed to several factors. Their strong defense, led by Maquilang's exceptional digging, made it difficult for Benilde to score consistently. The ability of Colendra and Sarie to deliver crucial points in the fifth set showcased their composure under pressure. Coach Carolino's tactical adjustments throughout the game proved to be effective in neutralizing Benilde's strengths. Benilde, on the other hand, although having very experienced players, were seemingly shaken by Letran's relentlessness, causing uncharacteristic errors.
This could impact the landscape of NCAA women's volleyball in the coming years. Letran's victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence and attract more talented players to their program. Benilde, while disappointed with the loss, will likely use this experience as motivation to come back stronger next season.
The rivalry between Letran and Benilde is expected to continue to be a highlight of future NCAA seasons, drawing large crowds and generating excitement among volleyball fans. Other teams will also be looking to challenge Letran's dominance, creating a more competitive and unpredictable league. It will be interesting to see if Letran can replicate their success and establish a dynasty, or if another team will rise to the challenge.
