The Letran Knights pulled off one of the biggest wins of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, taking down unbeaten NU Bulldogs in five sets on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Knights overcame a 1-2 deficit to defeat the Bulldogs, 29-31, 26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-11, joining NU at 2-1 in the standings.
Letran came alive in the fourth set, turning the momentum in its favor before carrying that energy into the decider.
The Knights found themselves ahead, 13-11, in the final frame when Dave Lardizabal took over with back-to-back attacks. Vince Himzon then put Letran at match point with a block before NU’s Leo Ordiales committed an attack error that ended the match.
Lardizabal led the Knights with 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks, while Paolo Lopez and Himzon added 14 points apiece. Setter Wayne Araño also played a key role in the comeback with 25 excellent sets.
“Talagang malaking bagay sa’min ’to na natalo namin dalawang UAAP schools. Tapos, NU, talagang mabigat ’yan. Kumbaga boost ng morale ’to sa amin, sa mga bata, kasi first game talo sa Arellano,” said Letran head coach Jessie Lopez, whose team has now won two straight after opening the tournament with a loss to Arellano.
“Thankful kami na nakuha namin ’yung panalo kasi tumaas chance naming nakapasok sa top four,” he added.
The result was particularly meaningful for Lopez, who is also part of NU’s coaching staff.
Letran will go for a third consecutive win against the Benilde Blazers on August 29 at 3 p.m.
NU, meanwhile, absorbed its first loss of the tournament despite 18 points each from Buds Buddin and Ordiales. The Bulldogs were also hurt by 41 errors, while Jade Disquitado finished with 14 points through four sets before sitting out the deciding frame.
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back against the Mapua Cardinals on August 30 at 3 p.m.
Benilde Opens Campaign With Win
Earlier, Benilde also made a winning debut in the tournament after recovering from a slow start against the Mapua Cardinals.
The Blazers dropped the opening set before taking control of the next three to beat the Cardinals, 19-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21.
Reymark Betco emerged as Benilde’s main weapon in the latter part of the match, finishing with 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks while also contributing three digs.
Rocky Motol added 14 points, with most of his production coming in the opening two sets, while team captain Chris Villanueva registered 16 excellent sets.
“Kasi nag-stop kami ng training from Sunday hanggang Tuesday; tapos, Wednesday was light lang kami kasi galing kaming Boracay. Ang mindset lang is hindi dapat ’yan excuse para hindi maglaro nang maayos. Laro pa rin ’yan, laban pa rin ’yan. You’re representing the school,” said longtime Benilde head coach Arnold Laniog.
The Blazers will look to build on their opening victory when they face the Arellano Chiefs on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Mapua was led by Ar-Jay Ramos, who finished with 16 points and 22 excellent receptions, while Patrick Reyes added 10 points and 5 digs.
The Cardinals will try to get back on track against the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at noon.
