Letran's Judiel Nitura in action against Mapua in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 24, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Letran scored a second straight victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday by sweeping Mapua at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Lady Knights had to survive a tight second set before completing a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 triumph against the Lady Cardinals -- a result that propelled them to solo fourth in the eight-team tournament.
Leading the way for Letran was Judiel Nitura, who fired 16 points on 13 kills while Sheena Sarie Sarie stepped up with 15 points on 13 attacks and added 10 excellent receptions.
The Lady Knights now have a 2-2 win-loss record heading into a crucial clash with unbeaten Adamson University on Wednesday, September 3, at the same venue.
READ: Letran outlasts Perpetual in 5 sets for breakthrough win
“We played very well today. I told the girls we needed to finish this game in three sets, and they delivered. Yesterday was a tough five-setter, but today we were much smoother,” said Lady Knights head coach Aleksi Lähteenmäki.
“We just need to continue building our own game. Keep our serves and passes consistent, and we can challenge the stronger teams,” he added.
Mapua showed signs of life in the third set, briefly taking an 11-9 lead behind a Nicole Ong quick attack and a Freighanne Garcia block. But Letran answered with a decisive 10-3 run, highlighted by back-to-back hits from Sarie, Nitura, and Maquilang, to seize a 19-14 cushion.
That surge proved enough to close out the match. A Nitura service ace and consecutive quick attacks from Jade Isar sealed Letran’s perfect weekend in just 75 minutes.
Mapua also had its moments in the second frame, rallying from three points down to tie the set at 21-all. However, the Lady Knights stayed composed, pulling off a set-clinching 4-2 run capped by a Nitura crosscourt hit and a Maquilang ace to move two sets ahead.
Maquilang finished with 13 points and 10 excellent digs, while Natalie Esteller orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets and chipped in five points.
For Mapua, Ong carried the fight with 11 points, including a game-high six blocks. Garcia and Raissa Ricablanca added eight points apiece, but their efforts weren’t enough as the Lady Cardinals dropped to 0-4.
Mapua will try to snap its skid when it faces Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, August 30.