Text and photo by Rey Nillama
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights held their nerve in a dramatic fifth-set finish to outlast NCAA rival Arellano University, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12, Sunday in the Shakey’s Super League Unity Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Letran and Arellano engaged in a bruising back-and-forth battle from the opening set, with neither side able to establish sustained control. The Lady Knights repeatedly leaned on their floor defense and net coverage to stay within striking distance whenever the Lady Chiefs threatened to pull away.
The match went down to the wire after Arellano forced a deciding set by taking the fourth frame, 25-23. Letran then responded with greater composure in the race to 15, closing out the marathon encounter, 3-2.
The Lady Knights drew production from several key players, while Arellano relied on its veteran core to keep the pressure on. But Letran’s defense and timely attacks proved decisive in the final exchanges.
Letran head coach praised his players for refusing to fold despite the momentum swings throughout the match.
“Hindi sumuko ang mga bata kahit dikdikan at umabot sa fifth set. Malaking panalo ito para sa confidence namin ngayong pre-season tournament,” the coach said, pointing to discipline and teamwork as major factors in the victory.
Kaizah Huyno, who delivered an all-around performance on both ends of the court, was named Best Player of the Game.
Huyno played down the individual recognition and credited her teammates and the entire Letran community for the hard-earned victory.
“Bonus na lang po itong award na ito. Lahat kami nagtulungan at nagbuhos ng hirap sa ensayo kaya para sa Letranista ang panalong ito,” she said after the match.
