Knights cage Lions, boost SSL playoffs bid

Games today:

(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)

1 p.m. — FEU vs EAC

3 p.m. — Ateneo vs San Sebastian

5 p.m. — UP vs Lyceum

Letran breathed life into its playoffs hopes after eliminating San Beda University from contention, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21, in Pool A of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Judiel Nitura sparked the Lady Knights’ comeback from three points down in the middle of the third frame, powering a decisive 7-0 blitz to regain control on their way to their second win in three games.

Letran moved up to solo second behind defending champion National University (3-0), which is already through to the next stage of the league’s centerpiece competition.

Nitura scored seven of her 11 points in the third set while Kaizah Huyno and Gia Maquilang contributed eight points each for the reigning National Collegiate Athletic Association champions, who can book the last playoffs seat in the group with a win over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sunday.

“This was a big win for us. The team has a lot of newconers and a lot of seniors are no longer playing so we really have to work on our teamwork,” Nitura said.

Letran trailed the Lady Red Spikers, 16-19, in the third frame after a Katrina Dela Cruz hit.

Maquilang answered with a kill followed by back-to-back points by Nitura and consecutive kill blocks by Huyno. Nitura punctuated the Lady Knights’ barrage with two straight spikes for a 23-19 advantage.

A 1-2 play by setter Jasmine Monte quelled Letran’s rampage before Nitura pushed her team at match point with an offspeed hit.