By Waylon Galvez

Games Monday (The Arena, San Juan)

8:30 a.m. – San Beda vs EAC (Junior’s)

10 a.m. – San Beda vs EAC (Men’s)

12 noon – San Beda vs EAC (Women’s)

2 p.m. – JRU vs Mapua (Women’s)

3:30 p.m. – JRU vs Mapua l (Men’s)

5 p.m. – JRU vs Mapua (Junior’s)

Chamberlaine Cuñada scored 28 points to power Letran against Lyceum of the Philippines University 26-28, 27-25, 16-25, 25-19, 16-14 that bolstered its semifinals bid in the NCAA Season 95 volleyball Friday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Letran Lady Knights celebrate after they beat the Lyceum Lady Pirates in NCAA Season 95 volleyball Friday at The Arena in San Juan. (NCAA images)

The Letran Lady Knights celebrate after they beat the Lyceum Lady Pirates in NCAA Season 95 volleyball Friday at The Arena in San Juan. (NCAA images)

Cuñada also came through with three blocks, while Julianne Castro added 17 points for the Lady Knights, who rallied back from an 11-14 deficit in the fifth to score a crucial win.

Letran’s libero Julia Angeles, who did not play against Mapua last Wednesday, collected 14 digs, and coach Mike Inoferio praised her gutsy effort.

“Nagkasakit siya, amebiasis. Kailangang may katuwang yung team captain namin (Charm Simborio). Sinugal namin para makapaglaro. Maganda ang ipinakita niya, especially sa crucial part ng fourth set, ang lalalim ng palo ni (Ciamelle) Wanta. I’m happy. Sana tuloy-tuloy ang recovery niya,” said Inoferio.

“Credit na din sa mga player talaga. Sa fifth set kasi lagi naming sinasabi diyan sa set ano na yan e players game yan e, wala ng coaches dyan and trabaho nalang namin ay mag-time out. So kung bumigay ang player, wala na. So sila ang nagpanalo hindi kami,” added Inoferio.

Letran’s win pushed the team into a tie with San Beda at fourth and fifth spots at 2-3.

College of Saint Benilde sports a league-best 6-0 record, while University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and defending champion Arellano University are level at 5-1.

The Lady Knights will next face the Lady Chiefs, who are aching to rebound from a five-set loss to the Lady Altas last Tuesday.

LPU dropped in a tie with Jose Rizal University at 2-4. Alexandra Rafael scored 17 kills, while Monica Sevilla also had 17 points to go with 14 digs for the Lady Pirates.

In the men’s division, Michael Doria and Brylle Novo each had 17 points as Letran beat LPU, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22, to enter the win column.

John Alabin had 17 hits while Steven Sta. Maria added 12 points as Letran moved solo fourth in the juniors division at 4-1 following a 25-16, 25-21, 25-18 win over LPU.

Source: Manila Bulletin