UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help Lady Altas strengthened its bid for a Final Four berth after sweeping College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-19, 27-25, 25-21, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Altas improved to 3-3, leveling with University of the East Lady Warriors for fourth place with one preliminary-round game left.
Perpetual kept Benilde at bay despite several attempts by the Lady Blazers to turn the match around, securing the important victory in one hour and 17 minutes.
Jem Menor proved particularly effective in the deciding set, finishing with 13 points, all from attacks, as the Lady Altas completed the straight-set victory.
Head coach Sandy Rieta, however, said the team still has areas to address despite the result.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila is laban lang; and then iyung improvement. Hindi lang dapat tayo naglalaro at nag-e-enjoy, dapat pinag-aaralan din natin ang movement nung kalaro natin. Medyo maganda naman siya, pero dahil marami pa ring errors, hindi pa rin ako masaya,” Rieta said.
Cyrille Almeñiana delivered an all-around performance for Perpetual with 14 points, 10 digs and nine excellent receptions. Collette Gaa also helped orchestrate the offense with 20 excellent sets while adding two points.
Cam Bartolome was the lone Lady Blazer to reach double figures, scoring 13 points in the defeat. They dropped to a 2-4 mark. (Adrian Co)
