YES, no doubt she’s a rookie but make no mistake as it was Judiel Nitura who drilled in back-to-back kills that gave Letran a three-set 25-20, 25-23, 28-26 win over fabled rival San Beda for a rousing start in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the San Andres Sports Complex on Sunday.

Surprisingly, it was also the substitutes who teamed up for the Lady Knights in the extended third set.

Crucial for them was when playmaker Natalie Estreller set up Nitura for the last two points that shattered the 26-26 tie en route to victory.

It was a remarkable win for Letran in the season opener as Cha Cuñada, who steered the Intramuros-based squad to a beach volleyball championship last month, was not fielded in.

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta also opened its campaign on a high note with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-16 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Daisy Melendres took matters for the Lady Knights by stringing 15 points, including five blocks and two service aces, and collected five digs. Nitura had eight points.

Kleiner Abraham and Chynna Castillo each scored 10 points, Kat Molina and Marianne Tayag had nine points apiece while Trisha Paras had three blocks for a eight-point outing for the Lady Red Spikers.

In the men’s division, Kenrod Umali had 18 kills and 10 receptions as San Beda won its season opener at the expense of Letran, 28-26, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23.

Mary Rhose Dapol had three service aces to finish with 17 points and six receptions while Shaila Omipon had 16 kills to power the Lady Altas to their first win.

Cathrine Almazan paced the Lady Generals with 14 points, including two blocks, while Jennifer Omapas added eight kills.

Ralph Cabalsa added 16 points and five digs while Ryan Rosman had three service aces to.finish with 13 points for the Red Spikers.

Vince Himzon led the Knights with 21 points on 17-of-31 spikes, and had three blocks, Michael Doria added three aces and two blocks for a 13-point outing while Justine Alejandro chipped in 13 points.