Judiel Nitura, sister of Adamson star Shaina, led the Letran Lady Knights with 24 points for their first victory in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
Letran finally entered the win column after surviving a dramatic five-set showdown against NCAA rival University of Perpetual, 25-16, 25-15, 20-25, 21-25, 17-15, in the preliminary round of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Vanessa Sarie came off the bench in the 5th to set the tone for the Lady Knights, while Judiel Nitura delivered the finishing blows in a match that lasted two hours and two minutes.
The victory gave Letran, now 1-2, its first win of the tournament and marked the maiden triumph in the Philippines for newly-installed head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki.
"A win is a win, though it's not a beautiful game for us. We played well in the first sets, but starting the third set, I don't know, maybe the players were too relaxed thinking it will be easy for us,” said the Finnish tactician.
“The opponents served very well; they broke our rhythm in the game. But at the end of the game, I'm happy I got this result," he added.
The Lady Knights surged to a 2-0 advantage behind the offensive firepower of wing spikers Nitura and Gia Maquilang, leaving the Lady Altas scrambling for defensive solutions.
Nitura, the sister of Adamson star Shaina, finished with an impressive 24 points on 20 attacks and four blocks, along with four digs and one excellent reception.
Maquilang provided solid support with 21 points, including four service aces. Sarie, still nursing a shoulder injury, contributed five crucial markers in the deciding frame.
Perpetual managed to claw back in the third and fourth sets, largely thanks to Shai Omipon, who scored most of her 10 points during the rally.
Camille Bustamante led the Lady Altas with 11 points, while Joanna Lozano anchored the defense with 24 digs and 21 excellent receptions.