Letran women's volleyball team reaches finals, eyes first title since '98

COLEGIO de San Juan de Letran secured its place in the NCAA Season 99 women's volleyball finals by defeating Lyceum of the Philippines University on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Despite starting as a non-Final Four team, Letran demonstrated resilience to climb to the No. 2 seed and will face reigning champion College of St. Benilde (CSB) in a best-of-three series set for Sunday.

Letran's coach Oliver Almadro expressed pride in his players' determination, noting that resiliency is part of Letran's legacy.

The women's finals will feature CSB, who have not lost in 78 straight games over four years and are aiming for a three-peat, against Letran, who last reached the finals 12 years ago and seek their first championship since 25 years back.

Letran's impressive showing this season can be attributed to new coach Oliver Almadro, a four-time UAAP champion while with Ateneo, who credits Strong Group Athletics for supporting both Benilde and Letran.

CSB qualified outright because of its unbeaten record in the nine-game elimination round.