EAC deals Letran back-to-back losses, ties San Beda at top spot

Published April 16, 2024 9:13pm

Updated April 16, 2024 9:13pm

Emilio Aguinaldo College got its act together late in the fourth set to complete a 25-23, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22 romp of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 99 men’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The Generals forged a tie at the top alongside Season 98 finalist San Beda University with a 3-0 card while the Knights absorbed their back-to-back losses to slide to 1-2.

EAC was on the verge of another sweep victory after taking the first two sets, but Letran refused to just go down without a fight with reigning Rookie of the Year and top Middle Blocker Vince Himzon coming alive in the third set to force a fourth set.

Two consecutive attacks from the sophomore ace then allowed Letran to tie things up at 20-all before Ervin Osabel unleashed an ace followed by an attack error from Himzon as EAC secured a crucial 23-20 cushion.

Steven Sta. Maria overcooked his attempt from the right wing that ultimately gave EAC the victory.

Osabel led the way in the four-set victory with 25 points anchored on 23 attacks and two aces while Marvin Romero poured in 16 markers on top of five digs and 13 receptions.

Himzon starred for Letran in the loss, churning out 19 points while John Derrick Bautista and Sta. Maria chipped in 13 and 12 markers, respectively. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News