Reporting note: this article draws on philstar.com; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Decisive Third Frame Keeps Letran Playoff Hopes Alive
Colegio de San Juan de Letran reinforced its qualification push with a 25-22, 25-14, 25-21 sweep over San Beda University on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Pool A clash in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup eliminated the Lady Red Spikers while bolstering Letran playoff hopes heading into the final weekend of group action.
The Lady Knights overcame a late deficit in the third set through disciplined transition scoring. After falling behind 16-19 following a conversion by Katrina Dela Cruz, Letran produced a clinical 7-0 run to regain control. Judiel Nitura scored seven of her 11 points in that decisive third frame, spearheading the late turnaround alongside Kaizah Huyno and Gia Maquilang.
Late Surge Overcomes Lady Red Spikers Deficit
The turning point arrived with San Beda holding late momentum. Maquilang interrupted the run with an open hit before Nitura delivered consecutive spikes. Huyno then secured back-to-back blocks at the net, neutralizing San Beda’s primary attacking angles and forcing a defensive collapse that pushed Letran ahead 23-19.
San Beda setter Jasmine Monte momentarily halted the bleeding with an intelligent 1-2 play. However, Nitura pushed the Lady Knights to match point with an off-speed attack. Despite a service miscue that kept the frame alive, Maquilang ended the contest with a terminal hit off the block.
“Sobrang laki ng panalo na ito for us kasi working kami as a team,” Nitura noted after the match. “Marami kaming bago and maraming nawalang seniors sa amin. So, kailangan din naming i-work talaga ang sarili namin and 'yung kabuuan ng team.”
Error Disparity Underlines San Beda Elimination
Statistical margins at the net and along the service line told the broader story of the sweep. While Janelle Bachar generated a match-high 12 attack points for San Beda, the Lady Red Spikers conceded 28 unforced points through errors across three sets. Daisy Cagas added nine markers, but San Beda failed to find secondary efficiency, dropping to 0-3 and out of playoff contention.
For Letran, balance proved vital in offsetting roster turnover. Huyno and Maquilang posted eight markers apiece to support Nitura’s double-digit output. That collective defensive wall and transition execution allowed the NCAA champions to absorb pressure without extending the match into a fourth set.
Pool A Standings and Final Qualification Scenario
The victory elevates Letran to solo second in Pool A with a 2-1 record. Defending champion National University remains atop the table at 3-0, having already secured qualification into the next round of the tournament.
Letran controls its own path to the knockout stage. A victory over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sunday guarantees the Lady Knights the remaining playoff ticket from the group. San Beda will conclude its campaign on the same day in a classification matchup against Arellano University.
Match details and post-game reactions were originally reported by philstar.com.
