John Derrick Bautista of Letran in action during the match against Jose Rizal University in the NCAA Season 100 men’s volleyball tournament at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos gym on Friday (Feb. 21, 2025). The Knights won, 25-19, 25-15, 25-18. (NCAA photo) Â
Letran launched its title campaign with an emphatic 25-19, 25-15, 25-18 sweep against Jose Rizal University (JRU) on Friday in the NCAA Season 100 men’s volleyball tournament at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos gym.
Vince Virrey Himzon spearheaded the Knights’ charge with 13 points, delivering 11 attacks and two blocks. He was backed by John Derrick Bautista, who contributed 11 points and eight receptions in the swift one-hour and 15-minute match.
Team captain John Wayne Arano orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets while chipping in five points, including two aces. Raphael Lorenz added eight points as Letran seeks to improve its third-place finish from last season behind perennial powerhouses University of Perpetual Help and Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC).
On the opposing side, Paolo Barrientos led JRU with 11 points off nine attacks and two aces, while Harry Ji Ocay and team captain Bryle Alipan contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
EAC secures victory over Lyceum
In another men’s division match, Emilio Aguinaldo College overcame Lyceum of the Philippines with a 26-24, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17 win.
Team captain Jan Ruther Abor fueled the Generals with a stellar 27-point performance, highlighted by 23 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Paul Justine Say also stepped up with 17 points and 13 excellent receptions.
For the Pirates, Isiah Chrys Santos and Jhon Icon Aquino led the scoring effort with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
CSB triumphs over Arellano
In the women’s division, reigning champions College of Saint Benilde (CSB) asserted their dominance with a 25-18, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17 win over Arellano University.
Francis Mycah Go shone for the Lady Blazers with 17 points, while Mary Grace Borromeo and Zamantha Nolasco contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, sealing the victory in one hour and 36 minutes.
Laika Tudlasan led the Lady Chiefs with 17 points, 16 of which came from attacks.
Lyceum stuns EAC in straight sets
Meanwhile, Lyceum, last season’s third-ranked team, made a strong opening statement by sweeping EAC, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21.
Janeth Tulang paced the Lady Pirates with 10 attacks and two aces, while Johna Denise Dolorito and Heart Bio chipped in eight points.
Eliza Mae Alimen stood out for the Lady Generals with 14 points, supported by Alessandra Razonable with six points.
The early matchups of NCAA Season 100 set the stage for an exciting volleyball season, with teams looking to establish dominance and make a strong championship push.