MANILA, Philippines - Letran played the spoiler’s role to the hilt as it snapped reigning four-peat champion San Sebastian’s amazing 19-game streak with a thrilling five-set victory recently in 85th NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.
Gretchen Mondragon launched the rocket-like ace that Russel Jabuna failed to receive to cap the Lady Knights’ shocking upset of the San Sebastian belles, 12-25, 25-23, 27-25, 9-25, 21-19.
Letran’s stunning triumph, however, was overshadowed by Perpetual Help’s 25-8, 25-20, 25-17 win over San Beda to seize the solo lead with an immaculate 6-0 (win-loss) record.
In men’s action, San Beda sent Perpetual sliding to its first loss with a masterful 25-18, 25-18, 25-18 conquest to snare a share of the lead on identical 4-1 marks.
Before the loss, San Sebastian was enjoying a 19-game rampage that was highlighted by a 14-game title sweep last year to complete a four-peat feat. Its last defeat coming at the hands of St. Benilde two seasons back.
The San Sebastian lady spikers absorbed their first loss after a four-game blitz to slid to joint second place with the Lady Blazers and a game and a half behind the Lady Altas in the event organized by a league committee chaired by Mike del Mundo of Perpetual Help. Letran, in contrast, improved to No. 4 and a win closer to forging a three-way logjam at No. 3 with a 3-1 card.
San Sebastian actual surge ahead, 16-15, in the fifth and deciding set before Marinelle Carolino, younger sister of now RP beach volley mainstay Michelle, and Kriszelle Moralejo drilled in kills to give Letran 17-16 advantage.
Then the Roger Gorayeb-mentored San Sebastian side went to Margarito Pepito to knot the count at 19-all that turned out the last deadlock as Ann Villarin delivered the blasting kills that sealed the win for the Lady Knights.