LETRAN survived the gallant stand of Jose Rizal University, 14-25, 16-25, 25-20, 25-17, 15-10, on Wednesday to gain a share of second place in the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex.

Letran rode on the heroics of Angelique Ledesma who spearheaded the Lady Knights’ rebound from the third set with a quick kill, snuffing off in the process the Lady Bombers’ bid to nail their elusive first victory in the 98th season of the country’s oldest school league.

With the win, Letran moved up to 4-1 record, in a tie with the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the second spot behind defending champion College of Saint Benilde’s perfect 6-0 card.

Meanwhile, Arellano University vaulted into a three-way logjam with Lyceum of the Philippines University and Mapua in third place at 4-2 following a 27-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-15 conquest of San Sebastian.

Julienne Castro had 16 points, rookie Judiel Nitura chipped in 15 points while Cha Cuñada fired four service aces to finish with 12 points and collected 13 digs. LJ Isar, who was fielded in the second set, was the other Lady Knight in double digits with 11 points.

Riza Rose fired a career-high 23 points, Karyla Jasareno added 12 points and 11 digs, while Mary May Ruiz and Sydney Niegos added 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Lady Bombers.

Moming Padillon led the way for the Lady Chiefs with 20 points on 19-of-37 attacks, while Laika Tudlasan hammered 12 kills.

Tina Marasigan had 16 points and eight digs while KJ Dionisio had two service aces to finish with 14 points to go along with nine receptions for the Lady Stags.

JRU and San Sebastian, which made it to the Final Four last season, bowed out of contention after absorbing their sixth consecutive defeat.

In the men’s division, JRU logged its second win at the expense of Letran, 23-25, 25-21, 25-20, 26-28, 16-14, with Bryle Alipan and Matthew Miguel scoring 17 points apiece.