The Letran Knights celebrate against UST in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 16, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA -- Colegio de San Juan de Letran claimed its first win of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, pulling off an upset of University of Santo Tomas at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
A day after losing to Arellano University in its first assignment, the Knights recovered with a 26–24, 22–25, 25–16, 25–23 result against the Golden Spikers.
It was the first win for Jessie Lopez as the Knights' new head coach.
READ: Arellano men down Letran to open V-League campaign
"Siguro naging mas relaxed lang sila sa laro. Masyado silang naging excited sa gusto naming gawin kahapon; naging stiff yung galaw at may mga circumstances na may na-injure na players," said Lopez.
"Ang gusto ko lang matutunan ng players namin sa Letran ay mag-relax lang sa laro, at may sistema naman kaming sinusundan," he added.
Paolo Lopez was solid on both ends throughout the two-hour match, finishing with 14 points on 13 spikes and one service ace. The outside hitter also chipped in two digs and 15 excellent receptions.
Dave Lardizabal produced another double-digit outing with 16 points, taking most of the cudgels during Letran's third- and fourth-set surge, while Vince Himzon added seven points, including the booming kill that sealed the victory.
Wayne Araño, the Knights' setter and captain last season, also made Lopez, a former national team playmaker himself, proud with a solid 19 excellent sets.
Letran will face another tough test on Saturday at 12 noon when it battles reigning six-time UAAP champion National University.
The Golden Spikers, meanwhile, fell to a 0–2 record after committing 38 errors in the match.
Gab Hernandez led UST with 17 points on 14 spikes, one block, and two service aces, while middle blocker Trevor Valera added 14 points.
UST will try to snap its skid when it takes on Arellano on August 29 at 5 p.m., still at the same Mandaluyong venue.