Colegio de San Juan de Letran pulled off a stunning comeback against heavily favored National University, 29–31, 26–24, 17–25, 25–18, 15–11, to claim a share of the lead in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Knights dragged the Bulldogs into a tie atop the standings at 2–1, rallying from a 2–1 deficit with a dominant fourth set before closing out the thrilling five-setter.
“Talagang malaking bagay sa ‘min ‘to na natalo namin dalawang UAAP schools. Tapos, NU, talagang mabigat ‘yan. Kumbaga boost ng morale ‘to sa amin, sa mga bata, kasi first game talo sa Arellano,” said Letran head coach Jessie Lopez, whose squad is coming off a four-set victory over the UST Golden Spikers last Sunday.
“Thankful kami na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo kasi tumaas chance naming nakapasok sa top four,” added Lopez, who is also part of NU’s coaching staff.
Former NU-Nazareth School standout Dave Lardizabal spearheaded the comeback and delivered in the clutch for the Knights.
The opposite hitter drilled back-to-back kills to restore Letran’s 13–11 cushion in the deciding set before Vince Himzon’s block put the Knights at match point. Leo Ordiales then attempted to keep NU alive, but his attack went straight into the net to complete Letran’s comeback.
Lardizabal finished with 22 points on 18 kills and four blocks, while Paolo Lopez chipped in 14 points and seven digs. Himzon also scored 14 points, while Wayne Araño quarterbacked the offense with 25 excellent sets.
Letran, which has now won back-to-back matches, will shoot for a third straight victory against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde next Saturday, August 29, at 3 p.m.
Buds Buddin and Ordiales led NU with 18 points apiece, but the Bulldogs were undone by 41 errors. Jade Disquitado had 14 points through the first four sets before sitting out the deciding frame.
NU will look to bounce back against Mapua University on August 30 at 3 p.m.
(C) V-League
Earlier in the day, Benilde also secured a victory, overcoming Mapua University, 19–25, 25–22, 25–21, 25–21, to open its V-League campaign.
The Blazers shook off a slow start before opposite hitter Reymark Betco came alive late, delivering key plays on both ends of the floor to keep the Cardinals from mounting a comeback.
“Kasi nag-stop kami ng training from Sunday hanggang Tuesday; tapos, Wednesday was light lang kami kasi galing kaming Boracay. Ang mindset lang is hindi dapat yan excuse para hindi maglaro nang maayos. Laro pa rin yan, laban pa rin yan. You’re representing the school,” said longtime head coach Arnold Laniog.
Betco finished with 22 points, including 18 attacks and four blocks, while also adding three digs.
Rocky Motol provided the early spark with 14 points, most of which came in the first two sets, while team captain Chris Villanueva anchored the offense with 16 excellent sets.
Benilde will look to make it back-to-back wins when it takes on Arellano University on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Ar-Jay Ramos led Mapua with 16 points and 22 excellent receptions, while Patrick Reyes contributed 10 points and five digs.
The Cardinals will try to bounce back against De La Salle University in the following game at noon.
