Gia Maquilang shines as Letran repels UP

Colegio de San Juan de Letran displayed remarkable resilience, claiming a reverse sweep against the University of the Philippines, 19-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-8, and gaining an early share of the lead in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena on Sunday.

NCAA Season 99 Freshman of the Year, Gia Maquilang, proved outstanding, contributing 16 points through 13 attacks and three aces. She also excelled in defense, coming through with 12 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions, anchoring the Lady Knights’ stirring comeback.

“Nung una po talaga, siguro yung iba nate-tense… Sobrang proud ako sa mga bata kasi nagstep up yung mga rookies na ginamit talaga,” said Lady Knights assistant coach Chamberlane Cuñada, who spoker for Oliver Almadro as he handles both Letran and UP. “Slow start kami kanina, pero natapos kami as strong, bale ayon naman ang pinakaimportante."

From a shaky two-point lead at 8-6 in Set 5, the Lady Knights launched a decisive 7-2 run to complete their rally, stunning the Fighting Maroons, and catching the UST Golden Tigresses at the helm.

UST earlier drubbed Lyceum of the Philippines, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17.

UP remained competitive in the fourth set, battling back from an early seven-point deficit to come within one at 8-9. However, the Lady Knights regrouped, with Maquilang’s backrow attack and Princess Tumayao’s 1-2 play anchoring their surge to force the decider.

Earlier in the match, Letran sprang back to life after dropping the first two sets, clinching the third set by six points, highlighted by a drop ball from Nizelle Martin.

UP dominated the first two sets but struggled to close out Letran, allowing the Lady Knights to sustain their rally through the succeeding sets.

Kassandra Doering and Nina Ytang each contributed 11 points for UP, while Bienne Bansil and Irah Jaboneta chipped in nine points apiece.

Letran will next face defending UAAP champion National University, while UP aims to bounce back against Lyceum of the Philippines, both matches scheduled for Aug. 7.