University of Santo Tomas secured the last spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinals after sweeping College of Saint Benilde, 25-23, 25-16, 25-16, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Golden Tigresses weathered a competitive opening set before taking command in the next two, using disciplined defense and sustained pressure at the net to put away the Lady Blazers.
Marga Altea led UST with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks and an ace, while also contributing four excellent receptions.
Captain Reg Jurado delivered an all-around performance with 14 points and 11 digs, and Angge Poyos added eight points, eight digs and five excellent receptions.
With their semifinal ticket secured, UST coach Shaq Delos Santos said the Golden Tigresses will focus on sharpening their understanding of the team’s system.
“Siguro, ‘yung ma-adapt ‘yung sistema ng mga coaches. Kasi andoon kami sa point na ganoon eh, ‘yung dapat alam ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa court. Hindi kami dapat nanghuhula, kaya nag-i-invest talaga kami sa training,” he said.
Benilde closed the elimination round at 2-5, with Cam Bartolome leading the Lady Blazers with 13 points.
Adamson University, meanwhile, completed the preliminary round at the top of the standings after sweeping San Beda University, 26-24, 25-19, 25-19.
The Lady Falcons finished with a 6-1 record after surviving a tight first set before controlling the final two frames.
Frances Mordi powered Adamson with a match-high 17 points, including 15 kills, a block and an ace. She also registered seven excellent receptions.
Joy Aseo added 13 points and nine excellent receptions, while Lhouriz Tuddao finished with nine points and seven digs.
San Beda ended the elimination round at 3-4, missing the Final Four by one victory. Daisy Cagas led the Lady Red Spikers with eight points, while Khim Culanay added six in two sets. (Adrian Co)
