National University and University of Santo Tomas found themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum early in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, with the reigning six-time UAAP champions staying unbeaten while the Golden Spikers continued to search for their first win.
NU turned back De La Salle University, 25–23, 25–16, 25–20, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City to seize the solo lead with a 2–0 record.
Earlier in the day, UST absorbed another setback, falling to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four sets, 26–24, 22–25, 25–16, 25–23, to drop to 0–2.
The Bulldogs once again leaned on their Alas Pilipinas products to finish off a stubborn La Salle side, with Buds Buddin delivering another consistent performance with 16 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado added 12 points apiece, with Disquitado also contributing 11 excellent receptions.
A strong spike from Ordiales and a kill block by Disquitado pulled NU within two points of completing the sweep at 23–19. After a service error by Eugene Gloria, Disquitado came through with another rejection, denying Yoyong Mendoza to seal the straight-sets victory.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila kahapon, lesson learned ‘yon na hindi dapat mag-relax hangga’t di natatapos yung laro. Ngayon, nakuha nila yung laro at natapos nila in straight sets,” said coach Dong Dela Cruz, who continues to call the shots while head coach Dante Alinsunurin remains on club duties.
NU will look to make it three straight wins when it faces Letran on Saturday at noon.
“We have five days to prepare again. Andiyan naman yung mga conditioning coaches. Alam naman na nila yung gagawin. At siyempre si Coach Dante pagbalik niya, yung training na gawin. Andoon pa rin naman yon,” Dela Cruz added.
(C) V-League
Gloria was La Salle’s lone double-digit scorer with 10 points, while Issa Ousseini impressed as an outside hitter with seven markers and 14 excellent receptions.
While NU continued its strong start, UST struggled to find its footing against Letran, committing 38 errors in its second consecutive loss.
Kris Hernandez led the Golden Spikers with 17 points on 14 spikes, one block, and two service aces, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 14 markers.
(C) V-League
Letran, meanwhile, bounced back from its loss to Arellano University with an impressive four-set victory, giving new head coach Jessie Lopez his first win in the tournament.
Paolo Lopez paced the Knights with 14 points on 13 spikes and one ace, while also producing two digs and 15 excellent receptions. Dave Lardizabal added 16 points and took charge during Letran’s third- and fourth-set surge, while Vince Himzon chipped in seven points, including the kill that sealed the win.
Wayne Araño, the Knights’ setter and captain last season, also impressed with 19 excellent sets.
“Siguro naging mas relaxed lang sila sa laro. Masyado silang naging excited sa gusto naming gawin kahapon; naging stiff yung galaw at may mga circumstances na may na-injure na players,” said Lopez, a former Far Eastern University great.
“Ang gusto ko lang matutunan ng players namin sa Letran ay mag-relax lang sa laro, at may sistema naman kaming sinusundan,” he added.
(C) V-League
Kris Hernandez led UST with 17 points on 14 spikes, one block, and two service aces, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 14 points.
Letran now faces its biggest challenge yet against unbeaten NU on Saturday at noon, while UST will try to snap its skid against Arellano University on August 29 at 5 p.m., also at Gameville Central Park.
