Colegio de San Juan de Letran averted a late collapse and pulled off a thrilling five-set escape against Ateneo de Manila University, 25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 18-16, for its second win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Lady Knights improved to a 3-3 record to keep their Final Four hopes alive, riding on the clutch performances of wingers Judiel Nitura, Vanessa Sarie, and Yen Martin in the two-hour and 23-minute marathon duel.
"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, 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.
Nitura starred on both ends with 25 points and 14 digs, while 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.
