The UE Lady Warriors secured a podium finish in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping the Arellano Lady Chiefs, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
UE Shows Endgame Composure
In the third set, the Lady Chiefs took a 26-25 lead and moved within a point of extending the game, but Janessa Buhay answered with a cross-court attack to tie the set at 26-all. Catherine Chu then sent her next attack out, before Buhay finished the match with an ace to secure the bronze medal for the Lady Warriors.
“Masaya kami dahil sabi nga namin, thankful kami kay V-League na binigyan kami ng opportunity na makasali,” said UE assistant coach Jerome Guhit. “Sabi nga, kukuha kami ng experience na kailangan namin kasi ang daming bata (sa team) eh.”
“Malaking bagay kasi nga kulang sa experience, tapos makaka-medal ka, parang pampataas ng kumpyansa sa kanila ’to.”
Janessa Buhay Stars for Lady Warriors
Buhay led UE with 27 points on 25 attacks and 2 aces, while also recording 17 excellent receptions. Van Bangayan chipped in 21 points on 19 attacks and 2 aces, while team captain and libero Angge Reyes anchored the defense with 27 excellent sets and 14 excellent receptions. Jennel Arasan added 16 excellent sets.
Chu paced Arellano with 12 points and 9 excellent receptions, while captain Kacelyn Punzalan added 10 points. Crisanta Servidad had 8, while Samantha Tiratira and Princess Al-Ag contributed 7 and 6, respectively.
