Letran celebrates a point against the University of Batangas in the Batangas leg of the 2025 SSL National Invitationals, August 31, 2025 at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym. Handout/SSL
MANILA -- Letran secured a podium finish in the Batangas leg of the 2025 Shakey's Super League (SSL) National Invitationals after making quick work of the University of Batangas on Sunday.
The Lady Knights maximized their advantages en route to a 25-22, 25-15, 25-20 victory at the University of Batangas Millennium Gym, overpowering the host team to claim the bronze.
Letran had to weather a late rally by the Lady Brahmans in the third set to finally snap a two-game slide, having lost in straight sets to Far Eastern University and in five sets to NCAA rival College of St. Benilde.
Verenicce Colendra showed the way for the Intramuros-based squad, hammering 17 kills for a game-high 21 points.
The Lady Knights staved off the Lady Brahmans' comeback attempt from six points down in the third set. UB closed the gap, 21-18, with a 4-1 rally capped by a Kylie Macatangay ace.
Letran pushed its lead back to 23-18 before Lady Brahmans open hitter Riza Drice answered with back-to-back hits. Joralyn Panangin nipped the uprising in the bud with a powerful smash as Colendra sealed the win with a soft tap to an undefended spot.
"Well, the first game of the tournament was difficult for us, we weren't in the game at all. Yesterday's game was perfect for us, every player stepped up and I like that very much. I've been here for a month and I like the improvement," Lady Knights head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki said.
"This game, we know our opponent is not that strong so I gave everybody a chance to play here," the Finnish mentor added.
Panangin added 12 markers while Bea Maluto and Nizelle Martin chipped in eight and seven points for the Lady Knights, who finished the match in one hour and 24 minutes.
Macatangay had 16 points built on 12 kills and four aces while Drice scored all of her 10 markers from attacks for the Lady Brahmans.
Letran will return to action in the centerpiece SSL Collegiate Pre-season Championship starting September 20.