PHILIPPINES — Colegio de San Juan de Letran punched the final ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals on July 23, defeating Enderun Colleges in a roller‑coaster five‑set match, 21‑25, 25‑21, 25‑14, 14‑25, 15‑4, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The reigning NCAA champions closed the elimination round with a 2‑3 record, earning the right to face top‑seeded University of Santo Tomas in the knockout stage.
A Dramatic Turnaround in the Deciding Set
After Enderun stormed through the fourth set with a commanding 25‑14 win, momentum appeared to have swung entirely in the Lady Titans’ favor. Letran looked shaken, and the prospect of an early exit loomed large. What happened next defined the match and the Lady Knights’ season.
Judiel Nitura opened the fifth set with three rapid points, propelling Letran to an immediate 5‑0 lead. The Lady Knights never looked back. Reeza Abayon then took over, unleashing three consecutive hits that stretched the advantage to 10‑3. Enderun managed only a single point from Jasmine Salvani before Letran closed the match with a punishing five‑point run, capped by an Abayon service ace and a crosscourt winner from Joralyn Panangin. The 15‑4 decider took just minutes, but its impact will carry Letran into the semifinals.
Key Performers Step Up When It Matters Most
Abayon led the Lady Knights with 17 points built on 15 attacks and two service aces, providing the offensive spark when the team needed it most. Panangin contributed 15 points, while Nitura added 14, forming a balanced attack that Enderun struggled to contain. Setter Hizki Flores orchestrated the offense masterfully, delivering 16 excellent sets that resulted in 57 attack points for the team.
Flores credited the win to discipline and trust in the coaching staff. She said the team focused on executing exactly what was taught, making gradual adjustments throughout the match until they found the winning formula. Her leadership on the court proved invaluable in steadying the team after the fourth‑set collapse.
Enderun’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Althea Botor delivered a spectacular individual performance for Enderun, pouring in a game‑high 24 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and three aces. Aurea Alvero added 14 points, while Salvani and Ederlyn Alba chipped in with eight and seven points respectively. However, 28 unforced errors ultimately undermined the Lady Titans’ campaign.
The loss dropped Enderun to a 1‑4 record, ending their semifinal hopes. They will now face Vietnamese guest squad Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club in the classification round, seeking to end their tournament on a positive note.
Semifinal Showdowns Set
With Letran’s victory, the semifinal pairings are now complete. The Lady Knights will battle unbeaten UST, the tournament’s top seed with a perfect 4‑0 record. In the other semifinal, College of Saint Benilde faces Australian guest team Southern Storm Melbourne. Both matches promise high‑stakes action as teams vie for a spot in the championship match.
The Lady Knights enter the semifinals as underdogs but carry the confidence of a team that has stared down elimination and survived. Their championship pedigree will be tested against a UST squad that has yet to taste defeat in the tournament.
