The Final Four cast for the V-League Collegiate Challenge has been completed with the Wednesday games on September 10 at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Aya Densing Continues the Final Four Tradition for CSB
The College of Saint Benilde started their campaign blazing 3-0 and despite suffering some losses, the Lady Blazers still reached the expected Final Four appearance.
And against the Mapua University, they sure went scorching hot.
Photo Credits: V-League
Benilde seemed firmly in control early, storming to a two-set lead behind the sharp playmaking of setter Chenae Basarte, who kept the offense flowing with her precise ball distribution.
Mapua, however, refused to go down quietly. The Lady Cardinals clawed their way back, using defensive resilience both at the net and on the floor to turn the momentum. Their hustle created transition opportunities, with hitters Freighanne Garcia and Raissa Ricablanca spearheading the charge to level the match at two sets apiece.
Photo Credits: V-League
Despite Mapua’s late surge, Benilde’s composure in the crucial moments allowed them to complete the escape.
Densing sealed the match in dramatic fashion, unleashing back-to-back kills in the deciding set and later producing a clutch dig that set up middle blocker Zam Nolasco for the finishing blow.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-18, Set 2: 25-17, Set 3: 27-25, Set 4: 25-23, Set 5: 15-13
Photo Credits: V-League
The spotlight shone brightly on outside hitter Aya Densing, who delivered a powerhouse performance. She erupted for 29 points built on 27 attacks, a block, and an ace, while also contributing defensively with 12 digs and two excellent receptions.
“Siguro ‘yung lakas ng loob. Hindi ko masasabi na consistent ‘yung lakas ng loob nila throughout the game,” said assistant coach Corrine Apostol on what has kept her squad steady this season.
The Lady Blazers boosted their record to 4-2, ensuring a place in the Final Four for the fourth straight season since the league resumed after the pandemic.
CSB will try to continue their winning momentum in their last game versus the Arellano University come September 29.
Photo Credits: V-League
The Lady Cardinals on the other hand goes down 1-6 and gets eliminated in the tournament.
Rookie Karylle Miranda Shines Against the Blue Eagles
A crucial game for the Far Eastern University as they take on the Ateneo de Manila University.
If the Lady Tamaraws lose, they won’t be moving on to the next round.
Photo Credits: V-League
The Blue Eagles started strong, with Zey Pacia and Grydelle Matibag leading the charge. They capitalized on FEU’s shaky opening frame to grab the Set 1 win, giving Ateneo hope of closing their campaign on a high note.
Shaking off their slow start, the Lady Tamaraws stormed back in the second frame. With steadier passing and sharper execution, FEU dominated from start to finish, racing ahead to win Set 2 and level the match at one set apiece.
Photo Credits: V-League
FEU maintained their aggressive pace in the third set, as their offense fired on all cylinders. The Lady Tamaraws’ superior rhythm overwhelmed Ateneo, taking the frame to swing the momentum fully to their side.
By the fourth set, FEU’s confidence was on full display. Their attackers consistently broke through Ateneo’s defense, while rookie setter Karylle Miranda kept the offense flowing smoothly.
FINAL SCORE = Set 1: 25-22, Set 2: 25-12, Set 3: 25-17, Set 4: 25-15
Third-year spiker Gerzel Petallo anchored FEU with 17 points off 12 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. She also provided stability on defense with 12 digs and nine receptions. Kyle Pendon added 11 points, while rookie playmaker Miranda dished out 17 excellent sets to orchestrate the victory.
Photo Credits: V-League
“Siguro kasi palapit na nang palapit ang UAAP, so kailangan namin, sa mga games namin na paparating maging seryoso na at gawin ‘yung sistema na dapat naming ginagawa,” said Miranda, a former standout from National University Nazareth School.
“Kasi ‘tong UAAP may goal kami na gustong makuha. Kaya siguro ‘yun din ‘yung pinanghahawakan ng team na every day kailangan naming maglaro nang maayos.”
The Lady Tamaraws improved their record to 5-1, cementing their place in the semifinals and strengthening their bid for the second seed.
They will wrap up their elimination campaign against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (2-4) on September 29 at the FilOil Centre.
Photo Credits: V-League
Meanwhile, Pacia and Matibag finished the match with 10 points each, while Dona De Leon chipped in nine. Ateneo ended its run in eighth place with a 1-6 slate.
