Vanessa Sarie (proper) delivers a kill for Letran. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Judiel Nitura might not have the identical form of celeb standing her sister has. However she might have at the least one factor higher: Her crew is within the Finals, fueled by Nitura’s imaginative and prescient of successful the championship this time round.
The Letran Woman Knights moved nearer to their dream end after they swept the Arellano Woman Chiefs, 30-28, 25-12, 25-21, on Tuesday within the NCAA Season 100 ladies’s volleyball Closing 4.
“This season, my thoughts and physique are ready to do all the pieces proper. Our purpose is to win the championships and we’re now right here,” stated Nitura after dropping 15 assaults for a game-high 17 factors that additionally featured two blocks.
Nitura wasn’t happy with final season’s end, the place the Woman Knights bought overwhelmed up by the three-time champions Faculty of St. Benilde Woman Blazers within the Finals.
“We will likely be able to face all of the challenges that can come our means. In comparison with final season, I’ve taught myself to chill out and simply be myself even within the face of mounting strain,” stated Nitura. The youthful sister of UAAP Rookie of the Yr Adamson celebrity Shaina.
The youthful Nitura might must shoulder a heavier load this time, nonetheless.
Proficient freshmen
Gone are the seniors from final yr’s souped-up lineup, and Letran has relied lots on a squadron of freshmen that introduced them to a second-best end after the 18-game elimination part.
Rookie Vanessa Sarie pummeled the Arellano aspect of the ground at Filoil Area in San Juan with 15 kills whereas Gia Maquilang had a stirring all-around efficiency of 13 factors, 15 receptions, seven digs, three blocks and an ace.
Natalie Estreller orchestrated Letran’s offense with 16 glorious units because the Woman Knights set a duel with the Woman Blazers, who dumped No. 4 Mapua within the different Closing 4 encounter.
Recreation 1 of their best-of-three collection is on Sunday.
“If we wish to change the story, we’ve to vary the tradition. We must always be capable to purchase into that change and it’s by no means straightforward. We accepted it and we’re now again within the Finals,” stated Letran coach Oliver Almadro.
The Woman Chiefs have been fierce within the opening set, the place they led by as many as 4 previous to letting Letran cost again and take management. Arellano even fought again when Letran made its cost.
However Maquilang and Nitura then rose to the event to permit Letran to seize the marathon set.
That appeared to deflate the Woman Chiefs, who have been nowhere close to their fiery type there.
That allowed Letran to take command of the match.
Laika Tudlasan delivered 13 assaults and Marianne Padillon added seven for the Woman Chiefs, who mounted a fightback within the third set solely to let the chance slip away.
Errors by Sam Tiratira, Catherine Domasig and Padillon proved crucial for the Woman Chiefs as Letran capitalized with well timed hits on the opposite finish.
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The Woman Knights merely watched their opponents crumble after Tudlasan’s ultimate assault error sailed past the baseline at match level. INQ
