Letran celebrates a point against Ateneo in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 6, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- Colegio de San Juan de Letran denied Ateneo de Manila University's bid for a reverse sweep, instead escaping in a five-set thriller during their Saturday showdown in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Lady Knights emerged triumphant in a marathon affair, 25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 18-16, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
They improved to 3-3, keeping alive their hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the competition.
"Well, I'm gonna be disappointed with my players. Of course, a win is a win and I'm happy for that, but we should do the job 3-0 or 3-1 and get the win as well," said head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki. "Everything is a mind game when it comes to the fifth set, so I'm happy that they found the poise and everything."
Letran controlled the first two sets and even held the edge in the third before Ateneo’s late surge turned the tide. The Blue Eagles continued their rally, forcing a decider and threatening to complete the reverse sweep.
But in the clutch, Yen Martin delivered the finishing blow with a kill, followed by a costly attack error from Jihan Chuatico that sealed the victory for the Lady Knights.
Judiel Nitura starred on both ends with 25 points and 14 digs, while Vanessa Sarie chipped in 17 markers to support her fellow outside hitter. Martin, stepping in for Gia Maquilang, contributed all-around numbers with 14 points, 15 digs, and 15 excellent receptions.
The Lady Knights return to action on Sunday at 10 a.m., looking to strengthen their semifinal bid against Arellano University (1-3).
On the other side, Zey Pacia paced Ateneo with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, while Chuatico anchored the net defense with her own scoring contributions.
Now at 1-4, the Blue Eagles face a must-win situation when they battle undefeated Adamson University (6-0) later that day at noon.