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Letran's Judiel Nitura in action against Perpetual Help in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 23, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Colegio de San Juan de Letran barged into the win column in thrilling fashion on Saturday, outlasting NCAA rival Perpetual Help in a five-set war at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Lady Knights emerged triumphant in a marathon affair, 25-16, 25-15, 20-25, 21-25, 15-17, for their first victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
Vanessa Sarie came off the bench in the deciding set to set the tone for the Lady Knights, while Judiel Nitura delivered the finishing blows in a match that lasted two hours and two minutes.
The victory gave Letran, now 1-2, its first win of the tournament and marked the maiden triumph in the Philippines for newly installed head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki.
"A win is a win, though it's not a beautiful game for us. We played well in the first sets, but starting the third set, I don't know, maybe the players were too relaxed thinking it will be easy for us. The opponents served very well; they broke our rhythm in the game. But at the end of the game, I'm happy I got this result," said the Finnish tactician.
The Lady Knights surged to a 2-0 advantage behind the offensive firepower of wing spikers Nitura and Gia Maquilang, leaving the Lady Altas scrambling for defensive solutions.
Nitura finished with an impressive 24 points on 20 attacks and four blocks, along with four digs and one excellent reception. Maquilang provided solid support with 21 points, including four service aces. Sarie, still nursing a shoulder injury, contributed five crucial markers in the deciding frame.
Letran aims to keep the momentum going when it faces winless Mapua (0-3) on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Perpetual managed to claw back in the third and fourth sets, largely thanks to Shai Omipon, who scored most of her 10 points during the rally. Camille Bustamante led the Lady Altas with 11 points, while Joanna Lozano anchored the defense with 24 digs and 21 excellent receptions.
The Lady Altas (1-3) will try to bounce back against Far Eastern University (2-1) on Tuesday, August 26, at 5 p.m.