Five-Set Battle Highlights Letran’s Growing V-League Momentum
Letran delivered another statement victory in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, rallying past National University during a dramatic five-set battle. The Knights prevailed 29-31, 26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-11, while College of Saint Benilde separately defeated Mapua in four sets.
Letran Completes Five-Set Comeback Against NU
Daily Tribune detailed how Letran recovered from two one-set deficits before completing its comeback at Gameville Central Park. NU captured the marathon opener, 31-29, before Letran answered 26-24 and eventually forced a deciding fifth set.
The Knights carried their fourth-set momentum into the decider, where sharper execution eventually separated them from the Bulldogs. Letran improved to 2-1 with its second consecutive victory, pulling level with NU in the early standings.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Knights Respond Whenever Bulldogs Take Control
Letran’s strongest quality was its response after setbacks, particularly after NU regained control with a dominant third-set victory. Instead of unraveling, the Knights tightened their execution and played their cleanest volleyball during the final two sets.
Dave Lardizabal Delivers Against Former NU Program
Former NU-Nazareth School standout Dave Lardizabal produced 22 points through 18 attacks and four blocks against his former program. His biggest contribution came late, when consecutive kills restored Letran’s two-point advantage at 13-11 during the deciding set.
Paolo Lopez added 14 points and seven digs, while Vince Himzon contributed another 14 during Letran’s balanced offensive effort. Wayne Araño supplied 25 excellent sets, helping the Knights maintain several attacking options whenever NU concentrated coverage toward Lardizabal.
Lardizabal Takes Control During Deciding Set
Lardizabal’s consecutive late kills carried added importance because fifth sets leave almost no time for recovering lost momentum. His composure gave Letran a dependable finishing option precisely when NU threatened to erase the Knights’ narrow advantage.
Jessie Lopez Sees Confidence Growing Inside Letran
Letran’s victory strengthened an impressive stretch against UAAP opposition after the Knights previously defeated University of Santo Tomas. Head coach Jessie Lopez viewed those results as meaningful progress following their opening tournament defeat against NCAA rival Arellano.
“It’s really a huge deal for us that we beat two UAAP schools. And NU, that’s a tough opponent.”
“You could say this is a real morale booster for us, for the kids, especially because we lost our first game to Arellano.”
Lopez’s comments underline how quickly confidence can develop when a young roster converts tactical adjustments into victories against established programs. Consecutive wins over UST and NU provide tangible evidence that Letran can execute effectively against different competitive styles.
UAAP Victories Give Knights Valuable Benchmark
Beating UST and NU gives Letran stronger reference points than results against opponents offering similar systems and familiar personnel. Those victories should also increase internal competition as players fight to preserve roles earned during this productive tournament stretch.
Recommended Article: EST Cola, Ho Chi Minh City Join 2026 PVL Invitational
NU Errors Give Letran Room to Complete Comeback
NU received 18 points apiece from Buds Buddin and Leo Ordiales, but aggressive attacking also produced 41 costly errors. Jade Disquitado contributed 14 points through four sets before sitting out the deciding frame, removing another important offensive option.
Letran capitalized by remaining aggressive without matching NU’s mistake volume when execution became increasingly important during the closing sets. Fifth sets magnify every unforced error, and the Knights managed those decisive possessions more efficiently once the match tightened.
Forty-One Errors Undermine Bulldogs’ Offensive Firepower
NU possessed enough attacking firepower to extend Letran throughout five sets, but repeated mistakes consistently interrupted promising scoring stretches. Against disciplined opponents, reducing those giveaways becomes essential because free points can quickly outweigh advantages in raw attacking talent.
Benilde Beats Mapua Before Upcoming Letran Showdown
College of Saint Benilde opened successfully by defeating Mapua, 19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21, after dropping the first set. Reymark Betco powered the comeback with 22 points, including 18 attacks and four blocks, while adding three defensive digs.
Rocky Motol supplied 14 points, while captain Chris Villanueva organized Benilde’s offense by delivering 16 excellent sets against Mapua. The Blazers next face Letran on August 29, creating an early measuring stick between two improving NCAA programs.
Opposite Hitters Could Shape Letran-Benilde Matchup
Lardizabal and Betco enter the matchup after carrying substantial offensive workloads during victories over NU and Mapua, respectively. Whichever defense controls those opposite hitters more effectively could gain an important advantage during extended rallies and late-set situations.
Analytical Breakdown: Composure Made the Difference
Letran’s comeback highlighted the importance of maintaining composure after losing momentum, particularly against an experienced National University squad. Responding effectively after dropping the third set demonstrated improved resilience, disciplined execution, and confidence during the match’s decisive moments.
National University’s 41 errors ultimately shifted the balance, allowing Letran to capitalize on extended rallies and crucial late-set opportunities. Benilde’s four-set victory over Mapua also reflected the value of steady adjustments, as the Blazers recovered from a slow opening to establish greater offensive consistency and defensive stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Letran versus NU?
Letran defeated National University, 29-31, 26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-11, during their five-set V-League Collegiate Challenge encounter.
Who led Letran against National University?
Dave Lardizabal led Letran with 22 points from 18 attacks and four blocks against his former NU program.
How many errors did NU commit against Letran?
National University committed 41 errors during the five-set defeat, providing Letran valuable opportunities throughout several important stretches.
How did Benilde perform against Mapua?
Benilde recovered after dropping the opening set and defeated Mapua, 19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21, in four sets.
When will Letran play Benilde?
Letran will face College of Saint Benilde on August 29 as the Knights pursue their third consecutive tournament victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Daily Tribune.
