University of the East passed its first test with flying colors, denying De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in five frames, 25–21, 25–16, 22–25, 14–25, 15–8, to open its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Easing the pressure of having to win at the onset, the new-look Lady Warriors turned an 8-4 lead into a 12-5 cushion and never looked back, with Adamson University product Janessa Buhay drilling back-to-back kills.
“Very happy kami na nabigyan kami ng chance. Grateful kami sa V-League management na nabigyan kami ng chance kasi kailangan talaga namin ‘tong mga preseason, especially now na ang damı po naming rookies,” said UE coach Jumbo Dimaculangan.
Buhay, one of those new faces, led the way with a massive 23-point output on 22 kills and one service ace. The former Baby Falcon also finished with 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Cheska Peñol, the rookie setter out of National University Nazareth School, was steady in her collegiate debut with eight excellent sets and two points, while outside hitter Bea Zamudio chipped in 18 points for UE.
The Lady Warriors, who are returning to the V-League after last competing in the 2024 season, will go for back-to-back wins when they face San Beda University on August 30 at 10 a.m.
The Lady Blazers, meanwhile, got 17 points each from Grace Borromeo and Fiona Inocentes, while the all-around game of Mhonniecka Soliven kept the NCAA powerhouse in the fight. Soliven finished with 19 points and 11 excellent receptions.
Benilde will look to bounce back against rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran next Sunday, August 23, at 5 p.m., still at the Mandaluyong hub.
Earlier, Arellano University drew first blood with a statement sweep of reigning NCAA champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25–20, 25–22, 25–15.
A strong start in the third set turned into a decisive blow for the Lady Chiefs, who maintained their clinical run to the finish behind wing spikers Cassey Florida and Heart Villaflores.
Florida, however, suffered an injury scare late in the final set after landing awkwardly from her approach for a spike. The outside hitter was able to recover, but head coach Obet Javier said the team will still have her checked.
“Masaya, hindi dahil nanalo kami, kundi dahil nagawa namin yung mga pinapractice namin. Pero, ngayon, may kasamang pangamba dahil nga kay Florida,” the long-time Lady Chiefs mentor said.
“Malakas naman yung look ng bata, pero kailangan pa rin namin siyang ipatingin.”
Florida finished with a match-high 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, along with seven digs and five excellent receptions.
Villaflores added 11 markers, all from attacks, while Catherine Domasig helped stabilize the Lady Chiefs with 16 excellent sets and seven points.
The Lady Chiefs will test their mettle against the University of Santo Tomas next week at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
On the other hand, Letran missed the services of Best Opposite Hitter Judiel Nitura but saw Reeza Abayon and Rheina Merwa pace the team with seven points apiece.
The Lady Knights will battle perennial rivals De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday, August 23, at 5 p.m.
