The UE Lady Warriors and Arellano Lady Chiefs opened their respective campaigns on a winning note as the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge got underway on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
UE pulled off the day’s biggest result, stunning NCAA powerhouse Benilde Lady Blazers in five sets, 25-21, 25-16, 22-25, 14-25, 15-8, while Arellano swept reigning NCAA champions Letran Lady Knights, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15.
UE Shocks Benilde in Five Sets
The new-look Lady Warriors overcame Benilde’s fightback after taking the first two sets, regaining control in the deciding frame to complete the upset.
UE turned an 8-4 lead into a 12-5 cushion in the fifth set, with Adamson Lady Falcons transfer Janessa Buhay delivering back-to-back kills to put the Lady Warriors firmly in control.
“Very happy kami na nabigyan kami ng chance. Grateful kami sa V-League management na nabigyan kami ng chance, kasi kailangan talaga namin ’tong mga preseason, especially now na ang dami po naming rookies,” said UE head coach Jumbo Dimaculangan.
Buhay led the Lady Warriors with 23 points on 22 kills and one service ace. She also added 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Rookie setter Cheska Peñol, a product of National University Nazareth School, made a steady collegiate debut with eight excellent sets and two points, while outside hitter Bea Zamudio chipped in 18 points.
UE, which is returning to the V-League after last competing in the 2024 season, will look to make it two straight wins when it faces San Beda Lady Red Lions on August 30 at 10 a.m.
Benilde was led by Grace Borromeo and Fiona Inocentes with 17 points apiece, while Mhonniecka Soliven kept the Lady Blazers in the fight with 19 points and 11 excellent receptions.
The Lady Blazers will look to bounce back against Letran on August 23 at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Arellano Sweeps Defending Champion Letran
Earlier, Arellano opened its campaign with a commanding sweep of reigning NCAA champions Letran, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15.
The Lady Chiefs pulled away in the third set behind wing spikers Cassey Florida and Heart Villaflores, maintaining control until the final point.
Florida led all scorers with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, while also contributing seven digs and five excellent receptions. Villaflores added 11 points, all from attacks, while Catherine Domasig helped stabilize the offense with 16 excellent sets and seven points.
Florida, however, suffered an injury scare late in the third set after landing awkwardly from her approach for a spike. She was able to recover, but Arellano head coach Obet Javier said the outside hitter would still undergo further evaluation.
“Masaya, hindi dahil nanalo kami, kundi dahil nagawa namin yung mga pinapractice namin. Pero ngayon, may kasamang pangamba dahil nga kay Florida,” Javier said.
“Malakas naman yung look ng bata, pero kailangan pa rin namin siyang ipatingin.”
Arellano will next face the UST Golden Tigresses on August 23 at 3 p.m. at Gameville Central Park.
Letran, which played without Best Opposite Hitter Judiel Nitura, was led by Reeza Abayon and Rheina Merwa with seven points apiece. The Lady Knights will look to bounce back against Benilde on August 23 at 5 p.m.
