SAN Beda University (SBU) Lady Red Spikers claimed its second consecutive victory after taking down University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 25-20, 18-16, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Khim Culanay anchored the Lady Red Spikers at the net, producing a tournament-best 13 blocks on top of eight attacks and an ace for a 22-point performance, helping to turn the game around after losing the second and third sets.
The Lady Warriors seized control after losing the opening set, but the Lady Red Spikers answered in the fourth behind crucial plays at the net, with Culanay helping force the deciding frame.
The Lady Red Spikers took a 10-6 advantage in the fifth after Culanay won a joust, only for the Lady Warriors to claw back and tie the set at 14-all following a net violation by the San Beda middle blocker.
The teams traded points from there before an attack error by Havanna Macalintal and a block from Althea Garavillas gave San Beda the final push it needed.
San Beda coach Kungfu Reyes credited his players for making the necessary adjustments and refusing to give up despite the team’s early struggles.
“Nakita naman ‘yong potential ng team at ‘yong adjustment individually na [need i-correct] para tumibay ‘yong team,” Reyes said.
“Ni-remind ko lang kung paano kami mag-ensayo, ’yon ‘yong [dapat] laruin nila … ang maganda hindi nila binitawan hanggang sa dulo. Nandoon pa ‘yong rookie errors kaya kailangan lang nila maglaro nang maglaro para yung experience mas makuha nila,” he added.
UE also suffered an injury in the third set when rookie setter Cheska Peñol hurt her right ankle after landing on Paula Palma’s foot following an attack by Palma.
Rochelle Olaguir backed Culanay with 18 points and 11 digs, while Daisy Cagas contributed 15 points. Angel Habacon added seven points and 15 receptions for the Lady Red Spikers. They now have a 2-2 mark.
For UE, rookies Djulianne Goze and Janessa Buhay each scored 18 points, while libero Angge Reyes produced 32 digs and 26 receptions despite the loss.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas stunned University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-15, 25-18, 25-18. Both teams now have a 2-2 win-loss slate. (Adrian Co)
