By: Joaquin Cortez
National University strengthened its bid for a semifinals spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25-19, 25-19, 31-29, on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Earlier in the day, University of Santo Tomas also kept its semifinals hopes alive after overcoming Mapúa University, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24, to claim its second straight victory in the tournament.
The results left NU and Letran tied at the top of the standings at 4-1, while UST and De La Salle University shared fifth place at 2-3. Mapúa, meanwhile, remained winless after five matches.
The Bulldogs have now secured back-to-back sweeps after also dispatching Mapúa last Wednesday, dropping just five sets through their first five games.
NU can clinch a semifinals berth when it faces undefeated Far Eastern University on Sunday, September 20, at noon.
The match against Benilde also served as the final tune-up for Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Greg Ancheta before they join Alas Pilipinas for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 19 points, including 18 attacks, while Jade Disquitado added 14 markers. Buddin contributed eight points, highlighted by three aces, Taguibolos scored seven, and Ancheta tallied 25 excellent sets.
After controlling the first two sets, NU faced a late challenge from the Blazers in the third frame. Mike Balbacal’s crosscourt attack gave Benilde a 22-21 lead before Ordiales answered with an off-the-block hit to put the Bulldogs at match point.
John Estrada then countered with a tip to force a deuce, with the set featuring four more deadlocks before NU finally closed out the match.
Godfrey Gamboa delivered a quick hit to give the Bulldogs another match point before following it up with a block that completed the sweep.
“We just did ‘yong sistema namin lalo’t lalo na wala si coach Dante [Alinsunurin]. We just told the boys na sundin lang ‘yong sistema, ‘yong gameplan kaya lumabas ‘yong result,” NU assistant coach Ariel “Dong” Dela Cruz said, as he filled in for Alinsunurin, who had prior commitments with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Iloilo.
“Medyo na alanganin lang no’ng third set kasi medyo nag-relax, but alam ko naman kaya nilang kunin ‘yon.”
For Benilde, Reymark Betco led the way with 20 points, while Rocky Motol added 13 in the loss.
(C) V-League
Meanwhile, UST overcame a slow start against Mapúa to claim its second consecutive victory and remain in contention for a semifinals berth.
The Golden Spikers fell behind after surrendering a 19-7 run in the opening set but bounced back in the next two frames, holding off late rallies from the Cardinals to take control of the match.
Mapúa pushed UST to the brink in the fourth set as the two teams battled through a tight exchange of points. A Patrick Lardizabal joust put the Cardinals within striking distance of forcing a deciding set, 24-22.
However, UST responded under pressure, with Al-Bukhari Sali delivering back-to-back off-the-block hits to turn the tide in favor of the Golden Spikers and give them match point, 25-24.
Patrick Reyes then sent his attack wide, allowing UST to escape with the victory after one hour and 48 minutes of action.
Sali led all scorers with 22 points on 20 attacks and two aces. Trevor Valera added 15 points, including 12 attacks and three blocks, while Gboy de Vega chipped in 10 markers.
Reyes paced Mapúa with 14 points, while Ar-jay Ramos contributed 13 in the defeat.
“‘Yong maturity ng bata, na-de-develop na. At the same time, yung work as a team, nagiging solid na sila ngayon,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said. “Magandang preparation towards UAAP para nakikita na namin ‘yong mga tao na potential na puwede naming gamitin.”
“Meron pa kaming ico-correct. Kasi may mga lapses pa pagdating sa pressure game. Minsan nagre-relax, ia-ayos namin ‘yon. Dapat pag naglaro, laro … kailangan ‘yong consistency maayos [pa] namin,” he added.
UST will look to sustain its momentum when it faces Benilde on Sunday, September 20, at 10 a.m. at Gameville Central Park.
Mapúa, meanwhile, will seek its first win against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday, September 13, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
