UNIVERSITY of the East (UE) Lady Warriors kept its semifinal bid alive after dispatching Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights, 25-23, 25-20, 25-18, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Red Warriors raised their record to 3-3 and climbed to fourth place with one crucial match remaining in the elimination round.
UE made the most of the opportunity to secure the maximum points in three sets, avoiding another extended match after going through several five-setters earlier in the tournament.
Veteran wing spiker Van Bangayan spearheaded the victory with 19 points, built on 13 attacks, three blocks and three aces.
“Ang goal namin is maka-three sets or four talaga. Kasi, Diyos ko, yung mga games namin puro five sets. Kailangan naman naming maka-uwi nang maaga at makapahinga, maka-recover para sa susunod na training, kasi may last game pa kasi,” team captain and libero Angge Reyes said.
Janessa Buhay added 10 points for UE, while setter Sofia Arasan contributed four points and 10 excellent sets.
Reyes also turned in an all-around defensive performance with 16 digs and eight excellent receptions.
Reyes said the Lady Red Warriors are determined to make the most of their final opportunity.
“Kakayanin namin at magtatrabaho lang kami sa mga training namin. Kung ano man maging resulta, it’s OK for us. No pressure naman for us, from our coaches. Pero as players, gusto naming makakuha ng semis,” she said.
Letran, meanwhile, failed to produce a double-digit scorer. Kaizah Huyno led the Lady Knights with nine points, while Judiel Nitura added seven. (Adrian Co)
