University of the East revived its semifinals hopes with a rousing sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25–23, 25–20, 25–18, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Needing to collect the maximum points possible in the fewest sets, the Lady Red Warriors delivered, surviving a late comeback attempt by the Lady Knights in the opening frame before taking firm control of the match.
UE improved to 3–3 and moved into a share of fourth place, with senior wing hitter Van Bangayan leading the way throughout the one-hour, 14-minute encounter.
“Ang goal namin is maka-three sets or four talaga. Kasi, Diyos ko, yung mga games namin puro five sets. Kailangan naman naming maka-uwi nang maaga at makapahinga, maka-recover para sa susunod na training, kasi may last game pa kasi,” libero and team captain Angge Reyes shared.
Bangayan was all over the court in the crucial victory, finishing with 19 points on 13 kills, three blocks, and three service aces.
Incoming rookie Janessa Buhay added 10 markers, while setter Sofia Arasan chipped in four points and 10 excellent sets. Reyes nearly posted a double-double with 16 digs and eight excellent receptions.
The Lady Red Warriors now face semifinal-bound Arellano University in their final preliminary-round assignment next Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m., with a Final Four berth potentially on the line.
“Kakayanin namin at magtatrabaho lang kami sa mga training namin. Kung ano man maging resulta, it’s OK for us. No pressure naman for us, from our coaches. Pero as players, gusto naming makakuha ng semis,” Reyes said.
No Lady Knight reached double figures, with Kaizah Huyno and Judiel Nitura finishing with nine and seven points, respectively.
Letran will close its preliminary-round campaign against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA later that day at 12 noon.
Perpetual, meanwhile, kept its own semifinal aspirations alive by sweeping De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, 25–19, 27–25, 25–21, in the later match.
The Lady Altas stayed in control despite several comeback attempts from their NCAA rivals, securing their third victory of the tournament after one hour and 17 minutes.
Jem Menor came through with timely kills in the third set to help Perpetual secure the victory and join UE at 3–3 in the race for the semifinals.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila is laban lang; and then yung improvement. Hindi lang dapat tayo naglalaro at nag-e-enjoy, dapat pinag-aaralan din natin yung movement nung kalaro natin. Medyo maganda naman siya, pero dahil marami pa ring errors, hindi pa rin ako masaya,” said long-time head coach Sandy Rieta.
Menor led the Lady Altas with 13 points, all coming from kills, while Cyrille Almeñiana produced an all-around effort of 14 markers, 10 digs, and nine excellent receptions.
Collette Gaa also provided stability with 20 excellent sets and two points.
Perpetual will battle Letran in its final preliminary-round assignment next Saturday, September 26, at 12 noon.
Cam Bartolome was the lone Lady Blazer in double figures with 13 points as Benilde slipped to 2–4.
The Lady Blazers will look to keep their fading semifinal hopes alive against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on Sunday, September 27, at 10 a.m.
