New recruit Sheena Sarie made a powerful debut as last year’s NCAA Season 99 finalists, the Letran Lady Knights, swept the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Lady Bombers, 25-21, 25-10, 25-14, on Sunday evening during Day 3 of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Collegiate Volleyball Championships.
Sarie, a standout from Naga Colleges in Camarines Sur, contributed nine points in the Lady Knights’ swift victory over the Lady Bombers. This win propelled Letran to join the La Salle Lady Archers in an early lead in Group C, as the action wrapped up at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Filling the crucial middle blocker position for the Lady Knights, Sarie delivered a stellar performance, particularly in the final set. She played a key role in Letran’s surge from a narrow 8-6 lead to a commanding 16-11 advantage, securing the match in just 74 minutes.
“She’s one of our rookies, and they make up half of our team. We’re currently in a rebuilding phase. Hopefully, we’ll develop more cohesiveness as we face tougher opponents,” said Letran head coach Oliver Almadro.
Earlier in the day, the Arellano University Lady Chiefs comfortably defeated the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Lady Generals, 25-17, 25-16, 25-12.
Laika Tudlasan led the Lady Chiefs with 10 points, wrapping up the match in 78 minutes. Tudlasan shone in the second set, scoring six points through attacks that helped secure a dominant 16-8 lead.
With the win, the Lady Chiefs now share the top spot in Group A with the Ateneo Lady Eagles, coached by Brazilian mentor Sergio Veloso.
The Lady Eagles had a tough battle on Saturday, needing five sets to overcome the San Beda University Lady Lions, 22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-7, with Lyann de Guzman leading the charge with a game-high 17 points.
