Letran College brushed off a slow start before hanging tough down the stretch to pull off a 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 29-27 victory over San Sebastian College in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association women's volleyball tournament yesterday at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Judiel Nitura led the charge with 17 points to power the Lady Knights to their third win in four matches and share the second with Season 97 finalist Arellano University, Lyceum of the Philippines University and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Lady Knights head coach Mike Inoferio said they had to fight hard in the fourth set to overcome the tough Lady Stags, who have yet to win in the early stretch of the tournament.

"San Sebastian is still a strong team. No matter how you look at it, they still have that championship experience with them," Inoferio said.

"We just hung on and let the players play their own way."

Tied at 27 in the fourth frame, an attack error from Lady Stag Kath Santos and an off-the-block kill from Nitura secured the win for Letran, which already surpassed its 2-7 slate from Season 97.

Chamberlaine Cuñada poured out 14 attacks and two kill blocks for the Lady Knights while Lara Mae Silva was in charge of their floor defense with 20 digs and 19 receptions.

Tina Marasigan's 18 points wasn't enough as San Sebastian fell into a deep 0-4 hole.