Lady Knights set up semis clash with Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning NCAA champion Letran survived a tough test from Enderun Colleges, squeezing out a 21-25, 25-21, 25-14, 14-25, 15-4 win to complete the Final Four cast of the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Judiel Nitura and Reeza Abayon powered the Lady Knights in the decider, sparking a 5-0 start that blew the match wide open. Letran finished the eliminations at 2-3 to clinch the last semifinal berth.

The Lady Knights will face top-ranked Santo Tomas in the semis, while NCAA runner-up St. Benilde battles Australia’s Southern Storm Melbourne in the other pairing today.

“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na sundin kung ano ang itinuturo ni coach. Nag-adjust kami paunti-unti kaya nakuha namin ang panalo,” said playmaker Hizki Flores, who steadied Letran’s offense in the fifth set and tallied 16 excellent sets.

Abayon led Letran with 17 points on 15 attacks, while Nitura added 14 markers, including three in the Lady Knights’ 10-3 finishing kick in the fifth.

Althea Botor had 14 points for Enderun, with Jasmine Salvani and Ederlyn Alba chipping in eight and seven, respectively. The Lady Titans ended their campaign at 1-4.

Enderun will face Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam in the classification match, also today, ahead of the Final Four.