Colegio de San Juan de Letran avoided heartbreak after nearly squandering a two-set lead, surviving Ateneo de Manila University in a grueling five-set battle, 25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 23-25, 18-16, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Paco Arena in Manila.

The Lady Knights improved to 3-3 and kept their semifinal bid alive behind the clutch plays of Judiel Nitura, Vanessa Sarie, and Yen Martin in the two-hour and 23-minute showdown.

“Well, I’m gonna be disappointed with my players. Of course, a win is a win and I’m happy for that, but we should do the job 3-0 or 3-1 and get the win as well,” said head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki. “Everything is a mind game when it comes to the fifth set, so I’m happy that they found the poise and everything.”

Nitura powers Letran past Ateneo scare

Letran looked headed for a sweep after controlling the first two sets, but Ateneo mounted a furious rally behind Zey Pacia and Jihan Chuatico to force a decider.

The Blue Eagles threatened to complete the comeback, but Nitura and Martin stepped up in crunch time. Martin delivered the go-ahead kill before Chuatico’s costly attack error sealed the Lady Knights’ escape.

Balanced effort keeps semifinal hopes alive

Nitura finished with 25 points and 14 digs to spearhead the Lady Knights, while Sarie added 17 markers. Martin, stepping in for Gia Maquilang, tallied 14 points along with 15 digs and 15 excellent receptions in an all-around showing.

Letran returns on Sunday morning against Arellano University (1-3) in another crucial match for its Final Four hopes.

On the other side, Pacia carried Ateneo with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, while Chuatico anchored the net defense. The Blue Eagles dropped to 1-4 and now face a must-win test against undefeated Adamson University (6-0) later in the day.