The Letran Lady Knights celebrate after winning the bronze in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals, July 26, 2026 at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan. Handout/Shakey's
MANILA -- Colegio de San Juan de Letran weathered a late challenge by Australian guest team Southern Storm Melbourne to secure the bronze medal in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals on Sunday.
The Lady Knights stood firm in the fourth set to take a 25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23 triumph at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.
The Australians managed to save two match points, but Judiel Nitura came up with the clutch crosscourt hit that won the game and the bronze for the reigning NCAA champions.
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Nitura scored all 19 of her points on kills and added two digs for the Lady Knights, while Reeza Abayon got 12 markers on 11 kills and an ace. Carly Nathalie Tizon scored seven for the Intramuros-based squad, which hammered down 50 attack points.
Setter Hizki Flores tallied 11 excellent sets as Letran walked away with the win despite throwing away 31 points off its errors.
"It wasn't an easy game for us, of course. But we knew the opponent was a tough one for us because they have tall players and they're motivated to go home with a bronze medal," Lady Knights head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki said.
"But I think this game is our best game in the whole tournament. We showed who we are," added the Finnish mentor, who steered a Letran side missing the services of injured veterans Gia Maquillang (knee) and Vanessa Sarie (shoulder).
Letran shattered an 18-18 deadlock in the fourth set with four unanswered points. The Aussies countered with a 3-0 rally to close in, 22-21.
A costly service error by Isabella Smith followed by Cleo Anastasias' attack miscue sent Letran at match point, 24-21. Southern Storm won a challenge on Abayon's serve that was initially called in before Rebekah Pocock followed it up with a hit.
Nitura took matters into her own hands for the closing hit of the bronze medal match of the competition.
"Thankful pa rin kasi kahit papaano nalagpasan namin iyong kung ano meron sa team and siyempre more on work pa kasi medyo mga bata pa iyong mga kasama ko," Nitura said.
"And thankful din kami sa mga coaches na nag-guide sa amin kasi kung wala sila hindi rin talaga kami magwo-work as a team."
Anastasias fired 13 points on 10 spikes and three kill blocks while Steph Baker scored 12 of her 13 markers on attacks for the Australians, who ended their campaign with four straight losses.