Letran survives Southern Storm, claims bronze in Shakey's Collegiate Invitational

Letran weathered a furious fourth-set uprising by Australian guest team Southern Storm Melbourne to essay a 25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23, victory for a bronze medal finish in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Knights showed nerves of steel when the Australians mounted a desperate fightback to save two match points before Judiel Nitura smashed the game-winning crosscourt kill to seal the deal for the reigning NCAA champions.

Nitura led the way with 19 points – all coming from kills - and added two digs for the Lady Knights’ second straight third-place finish in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.    

Reeza Abayon got 12 markers on 11 kills and an ace while Carly Nathalie Tizon scored seven for the Intramuros-based squad, which hammered down 50 attack points.

Setter Hizki Flores tallied 11 excellent sets as Letran walked away with the win despite throwing away 31 points off its errors.

“It wasn’t an easy game for us, of course. But we knew the opponent was a tough one for us because they have tall players and they’re motivated to go home with a bronze medal,” Lady Knights head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki said.

Letran shattered an 18-18 deadlock in the fourth set with four unanswered points. The Aussies countered with a 3-0 rally to close in, 22-21.

A costly service error by Isabella Smith followed by Cleo Anastasias’ attack miscue sent the Lady Knights to match point, 24-21. Southern Storm won a video challenge on Abayon’s serve that was initially called in before Rebekah Pocock followed it up with a hit.

Nitura took matters into her own hands for the closing hit for Letran's podium finish in the competition, supported by Jetour, Baic, Eurotel, Victory Liner Rent & Go, F2 Logistics, Summit Natural Drinking Water, PusoP.com and Smart Sports          

Anastasias fired 13 points on 10 spikes and three kill blocks while Steph Baker scored 12 of her 13 markers on attacks for the Australians, who ended their campaign with four straight losses.

All games in the competition, backed by technical partners Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology and Team Rebel Sports, are available live and on-demand via PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.