Van Bangayan exploded for 34 points as the University of the East secured its spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge Final Four with a 25–20, 22–25, 25–22, 25–15 victory over Arellano University on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The outside hitter, who is playing her fifth and final season with the Lady Warriors, fired on all cylinders and came just three points shy of the scoring record of 37 set by her former teammate, Casiey Dongallo, three years ago.
Needing a win in three or four sets to keep their semifinal hopes alive, the Lady Warriors leaned on clutch hits from seniors Bangayan and Bea Zamudio in the fourth set to secure the victory.
With the Lady Chiefs leading 13–12, head coach Jerome Guhit called on Zamudio, and the outside hitter responded with back-to-back kills.
That cushion proved enough as UE pulled away to take the set and complete the victory.
“Kami kasi ginanahan kami sa last push na ‘to. Kung gusto niyong mag-semis, ipanalo niyo ‘to. Yun yung nagbigay sa ‘min ng lakas ng loob,” said team captain Angge Reyes.
Bangayan also contributed seven digs, while incoming rookie Janessa Buhay finished with 17 points before yielding her spot to Zamudio.
Despite securing a Final Four berth, Reyes knows the Lady Warriors will need to raise their level heading into the semifinals.
“If ever man pumasok kami, may mga bagay pa kami na dapat i-work on. Siyempre sa top four teams, labanan yan. May respeto naman yan sa lahat ng teams, so kung sino na lang talaga mag-stand out then,” said the graduating libero.
Arellano, meanwhile, will have to regroup heading into the semifinals after losing its final two preliminary-round assignments.
Cris Servidad and Catherine Chu finished with 18 and 15 points, respectively, and will need more support from the rest of the Lady Chiefs come playoff time.
Later in the afternoon, Colegio de San Juan de Letran ended its season with a 25–20, 25–17, 25–22 sweep of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
The result eliminated the Lady Altas from Final Four contention and officially sent the Lady Warriors into the semifinals.
Judiel Nitura paced Letran in the win with 20 points off 12 kills, three blocks, and five service aces. Kaizah Huyno and Reeza Abayon added 11 and seven markers, respectively.
