Lady Knights keep semis hopes alive

MANILA, Philippines — Letran clawed back from the jaws of defeat, beating Lyceum of the Philippines University, 26-28, 27-25, 16-25, 25-19, 16-14, yesterday to stay in the semifinals hunt of the 95th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Chamberlaine Cuñada unleashed a match-high 28 points she laced with 24 crisp kills and three booming kill blocks while Julianne Castro unloaded 17 hits to power the Lady Knights back into the magic four.

There, Letran caught up with San Beda on identical 3-2 records.

St. Benilde leads the way with a pristine 6-0 slate followed by defending champion Arellano and Perpetual Help with 5-1 cards.

The Lady Knights had to dig its way out of an 11-14 deficit in the fifth and deciding set to snatch the win.

“The team showed character especially in the last two sets,” said Letran coach Mike Inoferio.

In men’s play, Michael Doria and Brylle Novo each fired 17 hits as Letran turned back LPU, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22, to finally barge into the win column.

In the junior’s section, Letran smashed LPU, 25-16, 25-21, 25-18, to jump to No. 4 with a 4-1 mark.