Colegio de San Juan de Letran snapped its two-game losing streak in surprising fashion, delivering a stunning 25-22, 25-22, 25-16 sweep over Ateneo de Manila University in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Steven Sta. Maria spearheaded the Knights' resurgence with 14 points, featuring 12 attacks and two blocks, along with six stellar digs. Vince Himzon also made significant contributions with 13 points, leading Letran to their first win of the pre-season tournament.
“Pinaghandaan namin yung net defense namin tsaka yung floor defense, kaya siguro gumanda rin yung atake namin dahil sa magandang naddepensahan namin na bola na naconvert namin sa points,” said Letran head coach Brian Esquibel.
Fueled by their strong showing in the first two sets, Letran surged to a commanding 10-4 lead in the third set, ultimately completing a sweep of their UAAP rivals.
Crucial back-to-back points from setter John Arano and a decisive down-the-line kill from Sta. Maria sealed the victory for the Knights, who had previously suffered narrow losses to Perpetual and La Salle.
Letran's offensive prowess was on full display, dominating Ateneo with a 50-34 advantage in attacks.
The Knights will next face Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday, August 21, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“Yung first two games namin, sinubukan ko mga rookies ko… Ngayon, nagsolid players ako, hindi na ako masyado nagpalit ng tao. That’s why nandoon na yung gel nila,” Esquibel added.
Kennedy Batas led Ateneo with a game-high 16 points, while Jian Salarzon added eight points.
The Blue Eagles dropped to a 1-1 record and will face De La Salle University in a UAAP rivalry match on Sunday, August 18, at the same Pasig venue.
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