After reaching the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball finals, there's nowhere to go but up for Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The Lady Knights, under head coach Oliver Almadro, finished with seven wins and two losses to place second behind eventual champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde as the veteran tactician hoped to bring back Letran's glory days.
True enough, he did as he steered the Lady Knights to a Final Four return after 12 years.
In the Season 99 stepladder semis, the Intramuros-based squad survived a tough five-setter against neighbor Lyceum of the Philippines University during the second round of the stepladder semis, but were swept in the best-of-three finals series by the Lady Blazers.
For Almadro, however, it was just the start of a change in culture for Letran.
Now for the league's centennial, the Letran Lady Knights hope to continue their reignited program as they parade seven holdovers led by Season 99 best libero Lara Mae Silva. Beach volleyball back-to-back MVP and reigning Freshman of the Year Gia Maquilang is also returning, along with Royce dela Cruz, Natali Estreller, Lastlie Jade Isar, Judiel Nitura, and Yen Martin.
Young talents such as Pearl Brago, Verenicce Colendra, Marbey Enverga, Marjorie Napal, Leonilyn Padilla, Joralyn Panangin, Sheena Sarie, Princess Tumayao, and Hizki Flores are also coming in for Letran.
In the men's division, Season 99 best middle blocker Vince Himzon and veteran Bembem Bautista will lead the Knights as they also eye another trip to the Final Four.
Last season, the Knights finished the elimination round at third with a 6-3 win-loss card before defeating Arellano University in the first round of the stepladder semis. Letran then fell to eventual runner-ups Emilio Aguinaldo College in the second round of the postseason.
Returning for another tour with the Knights are Christer Lou Ambrocio, John Wayne Araño, Namron Caballero, Dennis Domalanta, and Jeffrey Humapit.
Andrew Abeto, Arieh Barba, Felix Bermido, Dave Lardizabal, John Romer Sumagaysay, Raphael Lorenz Vicente, Beneth Jan Abellada, and Mark Raniel De Guzman.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
