Letran Lady Knights volleyball

Letran Lady Knights
UniversityColegio de San Juan de Letran
NicknameLady Knights
Founded1977
LocationIntramuros, Manila
Head coachMayeth Carolino (1st season)
CaptainLara Mae Silva
Main league
LeagueNCAA
Season 101 (2026)1st place, gold medalist(s) Champions
Championships
NCAA: 9
  • 1977–78
  • 1978–79
  • 1979–80
  • 1980–81
  • 1981–82
  • 1985–86
  • 1997–98
  • 1998–99
  • 2025–26

The Letran Lady Knights are the women's collegiate varsity volleyball team representing Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the Philippines.

The Lady Knights have won nine NCAA championships since the inception of women's volleyball in 1975.

History

The NCAA volleyball tournament for women's division began in 1975. The Letran Lady Knights was formed in 1977 with only seven players, mentored by Herminio "Boggs" Rivera. On that same year, they have captured their very first NCAA title.[1] The team was called as the "Magnificent Seven" because the team debuted and have won the competition with only seven players.[1] The Lady Knights then added eight more players[2] and later captured four more consecutive titles in 1978 to 1981, then another one in 1985.

In 1997 and 1998, the Lady Knights captured their sixth and seventh titles.[3] The team was bannered by two siblings, Michelle Carolino and Marietta "Mayeth" Carolino, and coached by Nestor "Nes" Pamilar. The Carolino sisters would make a name in Shakey's V-League[4] and the Philippine national team.[5][6]

In 2011, the team would make their first Finals appearance since taking the title in 1998. But this would result in a heartbreak as they were beaten by the UPHSD Lady Altas. The team was bannered by Melissa Cu and Marinelle Carolino, younger sister of Michelle and Mayeth.

In 2023, Letran officials hired alumnus and former Petro Gazz Angels head coach Oliver Almadro.[7] Almadro steered the Lady Knights to back-to-back Finals appearances.

In 2025, Finnish volleyball club Oriveden Ponnistus assistant coach Aleksi Lähteenmäki replaced Oliver Almadro as the new head coach of the Lady Knights.[8] Later on, Letran alumnus Mayeth Carolino was named head coach of the Lady Knights, while Lähteenmäki was assigned assistant coach and team consultant.[9] The team would again bagged the NCAA title after 27 years after beating their Season 99 and Season 100 tormentors, the CSB Lady Blazers.[10] Team captain Lara Mae Silva bagged the Best Libero honor, while was Judiel Nitura was named the Best Opposite Hitter and Finals MVP.[11]

Current roster

NCAA Season 101

Letran Lady Knights
No. Name Position
1 NITURA, Marie Judiel Opposite Hitter
4 NAPAL, Marjorie Outside Hitter
6 PADILLA, Leonilyn Middle Blocker
7 MARTIN, Niezelle Aeriyen Outside hitter
8 TUMAYAO, Princess Zyne Setter
9 PANANGIN, Joralyn Outside Hitter
10 ESTRELLER, Natalie Marie Setter
12 COLENDRA, Verenicce Spiker
14 ENVERGA, Marbey Allen Libero
15 SARIE, Sheena Vanessa Outside Hitter
16 ISAR, Lastlie Jade Middle Blocker
17 FLORES, Hizki Outside Hitter
19 SILVA, Lara Mae (c) Libero
23 SILORIO, Syra Joy Middle Blocker
25 MAQUILANG, Gia Marcel Outside Hitter

Past rosters

Letran Lady Knights–1977-78 NCAA Season 53 champions "The Magnificent Seven"
Alicia Abuel ∙ Rosalie Arandia ∙ Ernestina Cristobal ∙ Melba Gan ∙ Nancy Gan ∙ Resurreccion Garcia ∙ Donna Tengson
Head coach: Herminio Rivera
Letran Lady Knights–1978-79 NCAA Season 54 champions
Alicia Abuel ∙ Marissa Agravante ∙ Rosalie Arandia ∙ Imelda Cabrera ∙ Ernestina Cristobal ∙ Gene Cruz ∙ Melba Gan ∙ Nancy Gan ∙ Resurreccion Garcia ∙ Elisa Laserna ∙ Flordelisa Mendoza ∙ Leonor Tagle ∙ Donna Tengson ∙ Florenciana Tolentino ∙ Miriam Trice
Head coach: Herminio Rivera
Letran Lady Knights–2011-12 NCAA Season 87 runners-up
Gena Keeisha Andaya ∙ Patricia Anne Belleza ∙ Marinelle Jane Carolino ∙ Melissa Mae Cu ∙ Sarah Jane Espelita ∙ Rose Valerie Guevarra ∙ France Lauren Lopez ∙ Queenie Mondejar ∙ Monique Pablo ∙ Angelica Santos ∙ Justyne Mae Tadeo ∙ Lallane Villarin ∙ Jamaika Villas
Head coach: Bryan Esquibel
Letran Lady Knights–2012-13 NCAA Season 88 roster
Patricia Anne Belleza ∙ Jan Juno Carreon ∙ Melissa Mae Cu ∙ Sarah Jane Espelita ∙ Yvette Forto ∙ Honey Kris Laserna ∙ Mikaela Lopez ∙ Cynthia Molina ∙ Queennie Mondejar ∙ Monique Joy Pablo ∙ Justyne Mae Tadeo ∙ Jamaika Rikka Villas
Head coach: Bryan Esquibel
Letran Lady Knights–2017-18 NCAA Season 93 roster
Elizza Abitan ∙ Julia Angeles ∙ Entezar Bangcola ∙ Kathleen Barrinuevo ∙ Jan Juno Carreon ∙ Mariel Larioque ∙ Honey Kris Laserna ∙ Mikaela Lopez ∙ Miracle Mhae Mendoza ∙ Jaymeleene Parin ∙ Marie Charlmagne Simborio ∙ Glayssa Torres
Head coach: Michael Inoferio
Letran Lady Knights–2019-20 NCAA Season 95 roster
Julia Angeles ∙ Julienne Rose Castro ∙ Chamberlaine Cuñada ∙ Kathleen Dela Cruz ∙ Daisy Melendres ∙ Kristine Joy Miranda ∙ Khryss Anne Monteagudo ∙ Edna Ann Musngi ∙ Dane Iam Ohya ∙ Erica Mae Santos ∙ Marie Charlmagne Simborio ∙ Rio Trina Soriano ∙ Lea Rizel Tapang ∙ Shereena Urmeneta
Head coach: Bryan Esquibel
Letran Lady Knights–2021-22 NCAA Season 97 roster
Angel Afgao ∙ Cristine Kate Calixto ∙ Julienne Rose Castro ∙ Chamberlaine Cuñada ∙ Kathleen Dela Cruz ∙ Royce Dela Cruz ∙ Natalie Marie Estreller ∙ Lastlie Jade Isar ∙ Angelique Ledesma ∙ Clarence Marcos ∙ Daisy Melendres ∙ Khryss Anne Monteagudo ∙ Edma Anne Musngi ∙ Alyssa Jeremay Santos ∙ Lara Mae Silva ∙ Lea Rizel Tapang ∙ Shereena Urmeneta
Head coach: Michael Inoferio
Letran Lady Knights–2022-23 NCAA Season 98 roster
Keiara Marie Almirante ∙ Julienne Rose Castro ∙ Chamberlaine Cuñada ∙ Kathleen Dela Cruz ∙ Trisha Dequilla ∙ Natalie Marie Estreller ∙ Lastlie Jade Isar ∙ Angelique Ledesma ∙ Daisy Melendres ∙ Edma Anne Musngi ∙ Marie Judiel Nitura ∙ Andre Roshe Relucio ∙ Alyssa Jeremay Santos ∙ Lara Mae Silva ∙ Lea Rizel Tapang ∙ Shereena Urmeneta
Head coach: Michael Inoferio
Letran Lady Knights–2023-24 NCAA Season 99 runners-up
Keiara Marie Almirante ∙ Cristine Kate Calixto ∙ Royce Dela Cruz ∙ Trisha Dequilla ∙ Natalie Marie Estreller ∙ Lastlie Jade Isar ∙ Angelique Ledesma ∙ Nizelle Aeriyen Martin ∙ Gia Marcel Maquilang ∙ Jogi Maquilang ∙ Daisy Melendres ∙ Marie Judiel Nitura ∙ Andre Roshe Relucio ∙ Alyssa Jeremay Santos ∙ Lara Mae Silva ∙ Lea Rizel Tapang ∙ Aziejay Andrea Yap
Head coach: Oliver Almadro
Letran Lady Knights–2024-25 NCAA Season 100 runners-up
Edcynth Pearl Brago ∙ Verenicce Colendra ∙ Royce Dela Cruz ∙ Natalie Marie Estreller ∙ Marbey Allen Enverga ∙ Hizki Flores ∙ Lastlie Jade Isar ∙ Nizelle Aeriyen Martin ∙ Gia Marcel Maquilang ∙ Marjorie Napal ∙ Marie Judiel Nitura ∙ Leonilyn Padilla ∙ Joralyn Panangin ∙ Sheena Vanessa Sarie ∙ Lara Mae Silva ∙ Princess Zyne Tumayao
Head coach: Oliver Almadro
Letran Lady Knights–2025-26 NCAA Season 101 champions
Verenicce Colendra ∙ Natalie Marie Estreller ∙ Marbey Allen Enverga ∙ Hizki Flores ∙ Lastlie Jade Isar ∙ Nizelle Aeriyen Martin ∙ Gia Marcel Maquilang ∙ Marjorie Napal ∙ Marie Judiel Nitura ∙ Leonilyn Padilla ∙ Joralyn Panangin ∙ Sheena Vanessa Sarie ∙ Syra Joy Silorio ∙ Lara Mae Silva ∙ Princess Zyne Tumayao
Head coach: Marietta Carolino
Asst. coaches: Aleksi Markus Lähteenmäki ∙ Ludlo Dulce ∙ Kayce Balingit
Student manager: Keiara Almirante ∙ Trainers: Enrico Rafael Francisco ∙ Patrick Marquez

Team honors

NCAA

Letran Lady Knights (partial awards)
Year Season Title Ref
1977-78 53 Champions [1]
1978-79 54 Champions [2]
1979-80 55 Champions
1980-81 56 Champions
1981-82 57 Champions
1985-86 61 Champions
1997-98 73 Champions [3]
1998-99 74 Champions [3]
2005-06 81 3rd place
2006-07 82 Runner-up
2007-08 83 3rd place
2010-11 86 Runner-up
2011-12 87 Runner-up [12]
2023-24 99 Runner-up [13]
2024-25 100 Runner-up [14]
2025-26 101 Champions [10]

SSL

Letran Lady Knights
Season Conference Title Ref
2022 Pre-Season 13th place
2023 Pre-Season 13th place
2024 Invitationals 3rd place
Pre-Season 12th place
2025 Invitationals 3rd place [15]
Pre-Season 15th place
2026 Invitationals 3rd place [16]
Pre-Season —


SVL/PVL/V-League

Letran Lady Knights
Season Conference Title Ref
2004 1st 5th place
2nd 3rd place
2007 1st 8th place
2nd 8th place
2012 1st 9th Place
2013 1st 9th place
2019 Collegiate 9th place
2024 Collegiate 6th place
2025 Collegiate 5th place

PNVF

Letran Lady Knights
Season Conference Title Ref
2023 Challenge Cup 3rd place


Head coaches

Nes Pamilar

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Gold At First Try!". The Letran News. Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila (published September 1977). 1977.
  2. 1 2 "Volleyball Ushers in '78-79 NCAA Season". The Letran News. Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila. June 1978.
  3. 1 2 3 Micaller, Bea (April 11, 2026). "NCAA: Nostalgia hits as Mayeth Carolino fulfills promise to revive Letran's lost glory". GMA News. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  4. ↑ Lozada, Mei-Lin (September 18, 2012). "Lady Troopers claim third place in V-League". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  5. ↑ "22nd SEA Games Vietnam 2003 - Volley Ball Women's Team - Medal Table". seagames22.com.vn. Archived from the original on May 13, 2004. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  6. ↑ Lozada, Mei-Lin (September 13, 2012). "Sister Act". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  7. ↑ Agcaoli, Lance (August 4, 2023). "Oliver Almadro takes over Letran Lady Knights as coach". Inquirer.net. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  8. ↑ Micaller, Bea (April 1, 2026). "NCAA: Meet Aleksi Lahteenmaki, the 22-year-old Finnish coach bringing European flair to Letran Lady Knights". GMA News. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  9. ↑ Micaller, Bea (March 9, 2026). "NCAA: Mayeth Carolino proves women can lead in sports as she aims to restore Letran's golden days". GMA News. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  10. 1 2 Villar, Joey (April 10, 2026). "Lady Knights best Lady Blazers to end 27-year NCAA volleyball title drought". Philstar Global. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  11. ↑ Presillas, Bryan Ferdie (April 9, 2026). "Nolasco, Van Book lead NCAA 101 volleyball's finest athletes". GMA Regional TV. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  12. ↑ Tupas, Cedelf (February 6, 2012). "Altas sweep NCAA volleyball". Inquirer.net. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  13. ↑ Micaller, Bea (May 26, 2024). "Benilde repeats over Letran to complete NCAA women's volleyball three-peat". GMA News. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  14. ↑ Isaga, JR (June 11, 2025). "Benilde routs Letran for NCAA volleyball 4-peat; Arellano earns historic 1st men's title". Rappler. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Volleyball: Letran overwhelms University of Batangas for bronze in Shakey's tourney". ABS-CBN News. August 31, 2025. Retrieved July 26, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Volleyball: Letran overcomes Australian's Southern Storm for Shakey's bronze". ABS-CBN News. July 26, 2026. Retrieved July 26, 2026.
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