The Arellano Chiefs celebrate against Letran in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 15, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA -- Arellano University stood firm in the fourth set to defeat Colegio de San Juan de Letran for a winning start in its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Chiefs had to weather the Knights' charge in a 37-minute fourth set before completing a 25–21, 18–25, 25–20, 30–28 victory.
"Maganda nilaro ng team namin, pero marami pang dapat i-improve. Kaya malaki talagang tulong tong V-League kasi preparation namin to say NCAA," said Budo Antiquera, who served as the acting head coach as Bryan Vitug is out of town for PVL duties with Nxled.
"Gagawin lang ng mga players yung mga dapat naming i-improve. Gagawin lang nila sa practice and then i-a-apply dito, para preparation sa NCAA talaga," he added.
CJ Dominguito Dominguito paced the Chiefs with 21 points on 19 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while John Lester Calura chipped in 15 points to back up Dominguito in the nip-and-tuck fourth set.
The Chiefs will go for a second straight win against reigning NCAA champions De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on August 23 at 10 a.m.
Arellano also spoiled the debut of Jessie Lopez as Letran's head coach.
Newly minted Letran captain Dave Lardizabal ended with a rousing 26 points in his new role as opposite hitter, while former skipper Vince Himzon finished with 14 points.
The Knights will have a quick turnaround as they face University of Santo Tomas the next day at 3 p.m., still at the same Mandaluyong venue.