By: Joaquin Cortez
National University returned to the win column in convincing fashion, while the University of Santo Tomas finally broke through for its first victory in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Bulldogs swept the Mapúa Cardinals, 25-22, 25-14, 25-19, to improve to 3-1 in the standings, while the Golden Spikers also posted a straight-sets victory over De La Salle University, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, to snap their three-game skid and move to 1-3.
NU, which opened the tournament with a loss to Letran on Aug. 22, quickly regained its rhythm against Mapúa, taking control in the second set with a 12-5 run capped by a check ball from Roderick Medino.
The Cardinals put up a stronger fight in the third frame, but the Bulldogs pulled away late with a 9-3 finishing run, with Leo Ordiales’ crosscourt hit completing the sweep.
“Naging maganda ‘yong performance namin although may mga lapses kami sa sa depensa namin, ‘yong breakthrough, pero sa huli nakalusot naman kami,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“May mga sitwasyon lang kami na talagang minsan nagre-relax kami. May mga sitwasyon lang kami na medyo nagre-struggle din ‘yong ibang teammates namin na gusto makatulong. Pero, yun nga nagiging aggressive [naman] sila,” he added.
Ordiales led all scorers with 19 points, built on 12 attacks, four blocks, and three aces, while Jade Disquitado chipped in 13 points for the Bulldogs.
Ar-jay Ramos paced Mapúa with 10 points, followed by Patrick Reyes with seven as the Cardinals fell to 0-4.
(C) V-League Images
Later in the day, UST followed suit by finally getting on the board after three consecutive losses, sweeping La Salle in a tightly contested encounter.
The Golden Spikers battled through the opening two sets before taking control late in the third. Rainier Lorayes’ block gave UST a 23-20 advantage, and although the Green Spikers mounted one final rally, Vryvin Catinsag finished the match with a through-the-block hit.
“Naglaro ’yong mga bata nang walang pressure, so nakuha nila ’yong rhythm,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said. “Even though minsan may off-timing, nare-recover nila, and that is good kasi they can recover immediately pag nakaka-commit sila ng mga errors.”
“This time, they are playing with their heart, playing as a team, playing as one. ’Yan ang importante,” he added.
Al-Bukharie Sali spearheaded UST’s attack with 16 points on 14 kills, while Trevor Valera added eight and Gboy de Vega contributed six.
(C) V-League Images
Issa Ousseini led La Salle with 15 points, while Uriel Mendoza had 10 as the Green Spikers dropped to 2-3.
NU will try to build on its momentum against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., while UST will face Mapúa earlier that day at 3 p.m.
La Salle, meanwhile, will have more than a week to regroup before taking on the unbeaten Far Eastern University on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
