The 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge action gave out exciting matches for volleyball fans at Paco Arena Sports and Events Center on August 23, as two 5-Set battles happened.
Letran Lady Nights Enter Win Column Behind Nitura and Maquilang Heroics
The Colegio de San Juan de Letrán is currently in a 2 game losing streak, and as they face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, they knew getting a win wouldn’t be easy.
The Lady Knights looked firmly in control early, racing to a 2-0 cushion behind the steady scoring of Judiel Nitura and Gia Maquilang. Their powerful swings kept the Lady Altas scrambling for answers on defense, as Nitura poured in points from the wing while Maquilang’s serving blitz produced four aces in the opening frames.
But Perpetual wasn’t ready to fold. Sparked by Shai Omipon, who delivered much of her 10-point output during the comeback stretch, the Lady Altas stormed back in the third and fourth sets.
In the decider, momentum swung back and forth until Letran’s bench heroine Vanessa Sarie, still nursing a shoulder injury, provided timely scoring to keep the Knights afloat. Nitura then delivered the finishing blows, sealing the match after two hours and two minutes of see-saw action.
FINAL SCORES: Set 1: 25-16, Set 2: 25-15, Set 3: 25-20, Set 4: 25-21, Set 5: 17-15
Nitura finished with a team-high 24 points built on 20 attacks and four blocks, plus four digs and a reception. Maquilang added 21 markers to her name, complementing Sarie’s clutch five-point cameo in the final set.
For newly appointed head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki, the breakthrough was especially sweet as it marked his first triumph on Philippine soil.
“A win is a win, though it’s not a beautiful game for us. We played well in the first sets, but starting the third set, I don’t know, maybe the players were too relaxed thinking it will be easy for us. The opponents served very well; they broke our rhythm in the game. But at the end of the game, I’m happy I got this result,” the Finnish mentor said.
With grit and timely contributions from both starters and reserves, Letran showed resilience to finally enter the win column and turn a tough five-setter into a confidence-building milestone.
Camille Bustamante led the Lady Altas with 11 points, while Joanna Lozano anchored the defense with 24 digs and 21 excellent receptions.
The Lady Knights (1-2) will try to sustain their momentum against winless Mapua (0-3) on Sunday morning, while the Lady Altas (1-3) aim to regroup against Far Eastern University (2-1) on Tuesday evening.
Jaz Ellarina Rallies FEU to Accomplish a Successful Reverse Sweep
The Far Eastern University has not yet accomplished a long-running win streak, and as they play against the Arellano University, their match was certainly a must-see TV.
The Lady Tamaraws looked headed for defeat after dropping the first two sets to a sharp and well-rested Lady Chiefs squad, but they roared back behind the inspired play of opposite-turned-middle blocker Jaz Ellarina.
Arellano, fresh from a long break since its season opener, caught FEU flat-footed with a tactical game plan that perfectly timed its blocks and converted them into early momentum. Laica Tudlasan was relentless, firing all of her 22 points through attacks, while the Lady Chiefs rode their defensive schemes to snatch the opening frames, 25-23 and 26-24.
But with their backs against the wall, FEU found its spark in the third set. Setter Tin Ubaldo orchestrated the turnaround, repeatedly going to Ellarina and wing hitter Gerzel Petallo to dismantle Arellano’s defense. That adjustment turned the tide as the Lady Tamaraws ran away with the third set and never looked back.
From there, FEU’s blocking wall tightened. Ellarina teamed up with fellow middle Mitzi Panangin to frustrate Arellano’s attackers, combining for seven rejections as FEU eked out the fourth set before completing the comeback in a tense Set 5.
FINAL SCORES: Set 1: 25-23, Set 2: 26-24, Set 3: 25-9, Set 4: 25-22, Set 5: 15-12
After nearly two and a half hours of play, FEU walked away with more than just a win; they displayed grit, adaptability, and the ability to flip the script in a pressure-packed showdown.
The veteran anchor produced 20 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace to steer FEU to its second straight win, tying De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde for second place in the standings at 3-1.
Panangin finished with 17 points, including four blocks, while Petallo chipped in 11 markers, highlighted by four service aces. Lovely Lopez also contributed 10 points, as the Lady Tamaraws tallied 13 blocks against the Lady Chiefs’ four.
Both FEU and Benilde are set for a high-stakes collision on Sunday at noon, with the winner securing solo possession of second.
Despite Tudlasan’s explosive outing, Arellano fell to a 1-1 slate and will attempt to rebound against Benilde on Saturday, August 30, at 3 p.m.
