MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran bounced back in decisive fashion on Saturday, sweeping Jose Rizal University in straight sets to halt a skid and revive its NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball campaign.
The victory at the San Andres Sports Complex lifted Letran to a 2–2 record with 6 points in Group B of the seniors’ division, pulling the Intramuros-based squad back into the thick of the race for quarterfinal positioning. For JRU, the loss dropped the Heavy Bombers to 1–3 with 2 points, deepening their early-season struggles.
The matchup formed part of the tournament’s classification round, where teams battle in a single round-robin format within their groups for seeding in the next phase.
A Needed Reset for Letran
Entering Saturday’s match, Letran stood at 1–3, its campaign teetering as stronger sides began to separate from the pack. The straight-sets win over JRU served as a much-needed reset — a performance marked by control and urgency rather than survival.
With the win, Letran now trails Group B leader Arellano University (3–1, 10 points), as well as Emilio Aguinaldo College (3–1, 7 points) and San Beda University (2–2, 7 points). The tightly packed middle of the standings leaves little margin for error. Lyceum of the Philippines University remains winless at 0–4.
In a tournament where momentum can shift as quickly as a service ace, Letran’s sweep may prove pivotal. A 2–2 record keeps the Knights within striking distance as the third phase unfolds.
JRU Faces Early Pressure
For JRU, the setback underscores a faltering start. The Heavy Bombers, who were winless before this stretch of classification matches, now sit near the bottom of Group B with only one victory to show.
The short turnaround offers little respite. JRU is scheduled to face San Sebastian College-Recoletos on February 25, a fixture that looms large in its bid to stay relevant in the standings. In a single round-robin format, each loss carries amplified consequences.
The structure leaves limited room for recovery. Teams must accumulate points quickly to avoid slipping beyond the quarterfinal cutoff.
A Tournament in Full Swing
The NCAA Season 101 seniors’ and juniors’ volleyball tournaments opened on January 23, 2026, with all games hosted at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila. The venue, a regular stop for collegiate competitions, has become a gathering point for students and alumni seeking affordable sporting fare, with tickets typically ranging from PHP 50 to PHP 200.
Upcoming men’s fixtures include Mapua University versus Arellano University on February 24, as the third phase of group play continues. Each match reshapes the standings, often by slim margins measured in set differentials and points scored.
School Pride and Playoff Stakes
Though the broader impact remains confined largely to campus communities and local supporters, the emotional stakes are high. For Letran, the win restores belief and strengthens its footing in a tightly contested group. For JRU, the challenge shifts to regaining stability before the campaign drifts further off course.
In collegiate sport, seasons can hinge on a single afternoon. On Saturday, Letran ensured that its own would not unravel before it had properly begun.
