MANILA -- College of St. Benilde gave Letran's new coach a rude welcome as they claimed a four-set win over the Lady Knights in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Tuesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Lady Blazers recovered from a third set blip, 25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, to give a rude welcome to new Letran coach Aleksi Lahteenimaki.
Lahteenimaki, a Finnish mentor, replaced Oliver Almadro, who guided Letran for two seasons and into back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances.
The Lady Blazers had to dig deep in the decisive frame, fending off a gritty Lady Knights squad led by Gia Maquilang's heroics, who was eager to give Lahteenimaki a winning debut.
Benilde's middle blocker Zam Nolasco stamped her authority at the net to shut the door on Letran's comeback hopes.
Nolasco fired 21 points on 12 attacks and eight blocks, with three of those kills coming in the fourth set—including the match-winning power tip that sealed the victory in one hour and 41 minutes.
Action between College of St. Benilde and Letran in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 12, 2025 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. PVL Media
"Obvious naman na since nagsunud-sunod 'yung kanilang errors, so most likely kinakabahan 'yon or nagiging kumpyansa. 'Yun siguro 'yung naging problema nila," said Benilde assistant coach Corrine Apostol.
"Kinausap sila ni coach (Jerry Yee) na kailangang maging matibay, kasi 'pag crucial games hindi pwedeng kinakabahan talaga. Pinoint out lang din ni coach 'yung mga kailangan nilang adjustments kasi nag-adjust rin 'yung Letran. Siguro, lumabas lang din 'yung tibay ng loob nila lalo na't dikit 'yung score," added Apostol, a former Lady Blazer herself.
Benilde came out firing in the first two sets, capitalizing on Letran's defensive lapses and scoring almost at will to build double-digit leads that turned into dominant wins.
Maquilang and the Lady Knights, however, turned the tables in the third set, making the most of a strong start and pouncing on Benilde's errors on both ends of the court.
Letran carried the momentum into the fourth set, but eventually ran out of steam against Benilde's composure and the leadership of Nolasco and setter Chenae Basarte in the closing stretch.
Basarte anchored the Lady Blazers' offense with 24 excellent sets, which the team converted into 52 attacks.
Rhea Densing delivered 11 of those, adding two blocks for a total of 13 points, while Kai Lleses contributed eight markers in the win.
Benilde (2-0) will shoot for a third consecutive victory against the debuting Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at 12 p.m., still at the Paco Arena.
Maquilang was Letran's brightest performer, finishing with 21 points, 14 digs, and 10 excellent receptions. Opposite hitter Verenicce Colendra chipped in nine markers in the loss.
Letran (0-1) will aim for its first win when it faces Far Eastern University (1-0) next Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m.