By Rey Nillama
MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran kept its playoff hopes alive in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup after sweeping rival San Beda University, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22, on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Knights leaned on their firepower and composure in crucial stretches to secure the straight-sets victory and improve their chances of advancing from Pool A.
Judiel Nitura spearheaded Letran’s attack, finishing with a game-high 18 points on 15 kills, two blocks and an ace to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Carlyn Tizon chipped in 11 points, while Sheena Sarie added nine as the Intramuros-based squad regained its winning form against its NCAA rival.
Letran head coach Oliver Almadro credited his players for sticking to the game plan in a crucial match.
“We just emphasized the importance of this game because we knew we were on the brink,” Almadro said. “Credit goes to the players because they stuck to the system and showed the Letran heart that we need to carry forward into the next round.”
San Beda, meanwhile, struggled to deliver in the decisive moments despite the efforts of Karyla Jaspe and team captain Chinenye Orense.
Jaspe led the Lady Red Spikers with 13 points, while Orense contributed 10. However, their production proved insufficient as Letran controlled the closing exchanges in all three sets.
The defeat dropped San Beda to a 0-3 record in Pool A, putting the Lady Red Spikers in a difficult position in their bid to reach the next round.
For Letran, the victory provided a timely boost as the race for the remaining playoff berths in the SSL Unity Cup continued to heat up.
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