The UST Golden Tigresses bounced back from their previous loss after outlasting the UE Lady Warriors, 24‑26, 25‑17, 25‑23, 20‑25, 15‑5, in the 2026 V‑League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
After the Lady Warriors forced a deciding fifth set, Marga Altea took over the match to provide a comfortable breather to the Golden Tigresses, 8‑2. Altea then delivered an ace before Ashlee Knop finished the match, 15‑5.
“Good thing yung naka‑recover sila. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kung ano yung mga nangyari nung first four sets, kalimutan na yan. Good thing naging ganito yung response nila,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
Altea came close to a triple‑double with 21 points on 16 attacks, 2 blocks, and 3 aces, while also posting 12 excellent receptions and 9 digs. Balingit added 19 points before suffering a right ankle injury in the fourth set, while team captain Cassie Carballo anchored UST with 30 excellent sets.
For the Lady Warriors, Van Bangayan led the team with 18 points, while Janessa Buhay added 15.
UST improved to 2‑1 and will look to make it back‑to‑back wins against the Perpetual Help Lady Altas on Wednesday, September 9, at 12 noon. Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors will try to bounce back against San Beda University on Wednesday, September 9, at 10 a.m.
Arellano Stays Perfect
Earlier, the Arellano Lady Chiefs continued their unbeaten run after sweeping the Perpetual Help Lady Altas, 25‑19, 25‑16, 25‑18.
The Lady Chiefs claimed their fourth straight win in just 70 minutes, moving closer to securing a spot in the semifinals.
“Yung preparation rin kasi namin. Tini‑treat namin yung every game na last game na namin o parang championship na,” said head coach Obet Javier.
Arellano dominated Perpetual in attacks, 42‑26, with Heart Villaflores leading the balanced offense with 16 kills. Cris Servidad chipped in 11 points, while Kacelyn Punzalan produced 14 points on 6 attacks, 5 blocks, and 3 aces.
No Perpetual player reached double figures, with Cyrille Almeñiana and Jem Menor finishing with 6 points apiece.
