No one’s untouchable: Letran stuns CSB, ends 6-year NCAA women’s volleyball win streak

MANILA, Philippines – The Letran Lady Knights broke the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball title picture wide open three games into the tournament, handing the CSB Lady Blazers dynasty its first loss in 43 long games with a shocking 25-22, 25-23, 26-24 sweep on Saturday, March 8.

Nizelle Martin led the close, yet unexpected victory with a game-high 19 points on 17 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace as Letran, which lost in a Season 99 finals sweep to Benilde, joined Perpetual (4-0) as the only undefeated teams left in the league with a 3-0 record.

Natalie Estreller orchestrated the winning offense with 22 excellent sets in just three frames, also helping Sheena Sarie and Judiel Nitura to respective scoring totals of 15 and 12 points.

Head coach Oliver Almadro beamed about his team on the historic win, as his wards finally solved the Lady Blazers’ puzzle very early on in their redemption run.

“Well, first, I credit it to the players and I told them to hold no expectations. We have to learn in this game, but they really want to win. They refused to lose. They really want to win so who am I as someone guiding them to prevent it?” he said.

“They’re the ones who want it. So, they want it and they asked for it, and then the Lord gave it to them. So, we just said earlier, let’s just have a joyful heart and offer it to the Lord. Whatever’s given to us, we’ll take it. What’s important is we learn early in the season.”

Almadro, however, cautioned his players as all other coaches would, that this win already means nothing in the coming days in what is another promising title bid in the Grand Old League’s centennial year.

“Twenty-four hour rule. In 24 hours, this is done, and we prepare for the next match. That’s our mentality, what’s next, what’s next,” continued the multi-time UAAP champion coach.

“This is a big inspiration for us, but we’re focusing on what’s next. That’s supposed to be our mentality and we all offer it to the Lord for the great strength He gave us today. We offer everything to the Lord for the strength and wisdom.”

Wielyn Estoque paced CSB’s stunning descent to a 3-1 record with 13 points, followed by just 9 markers from former NCAA MVP Mycah Go. – Rappler.com