Letran & Perpetual retain NCAA beach volleyball championships; EAC secures Juniors title

SUBIC — In the NCAA Season 99 beach volleyball tournament held at Subic Bay Freeport Zone’s Sand Courts, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, and Emilio Aguinaldo College triumphed on Sunday.

Letran’s women’s team achieved a flawless victory in the women’s division, overcoming San Beda University with scores of 21-16 in both sets of the final.

The team, featuring Lara Mae Silva, Gia Maquilang, and Jogi Maquilang, didn’t lose a set throughout the tournament. Gia Maquilang stood out, securing both Freshman of the Year and Rookie-MVP awards.

In the semifinals, Letran edged out Emilio Aguinaldo College with scores of 22-20 and 21-13, while San Beda defeated Perpetual 21-18 in both sets.

EAC clinched the third place by defeating Perpetual 21-16, 16-21, 15-10 in the bronze medal match.

In the men’s division, Perpetual regained their title by beating Mapua University in the finals with scores of 21-19 and 21-13.

Perpetual’s team, including Louie Ramirez, Jefferson Marapoc, and Klint Mateo, overcame early challenges to secure their second consecutive championship. Both Perpetual and Mapua entered the finals with a 7-2 record in the elimination round, alongside Arellano University.

Perpetual had earlier beaten Arellano 21-12, 21-15 in the semifinals, while Mapua overcame Jose Rizal University 21-18, 19-21, 15-13. Both teams had the advantage of a twice-to-beat bonus. Jose Rizal University took home the bronze medal after a convincing victory over Arellano, winning 21-11 and 21-9.

Louie Ramirez was honored as the Most Valuable Player, and James Harold Marasigan of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde was named Rookie of the Year.

The juniors title went to EAC, who defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University in the finals with scores of 21-17, 16-21, 15-10.

EAC’s juniors team, consisting of Dwayne Alin-Alin, Aljihan Apdian, and Nyle Ecaranum, finished the elimination round with a 6-2 record, along with LPU, Letran, and Perpetual. Despite facing a challenge in the Final Four, EAC secured their place in the finals after two matches.

Aljihan Apdian was distinguished as both Rookie of the Year and MVP.

Letran secured the bronze in the juniors division, defeating Perpetual with scores of 21-19 and 21-10.