Action between UST and San Beda in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 16, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas is off to a strong start in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after overpowering San Beda, 25–15, 25–16, 25–19, on Sunday.
In its first game after the graduation of talismanic libero Detdet Pepito, the Golden Tigresses got a solid performance from Kim Rubin off the bench to deny the Lady Red Spikers a chance to extend the match.
Rubin, a product of their high school program, came off the bench and helped stabilize UST's floor defense before eventually finishing the match in transition with the clinching kill.
The former Alas youth standout finished with six points, all from attacks, while also contributing three digs and two excellent receptions to bolster the team's defense. Sandrine Escober, one of the squad's new liberos, accounted for six of UST's 17 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 16-minute match.
"I think this is a good and big opportunity nga na magkaroon kami ng exposure ng tournament. Malaking help din to sa 'min na ma-check kung ano pa 'yung kailangan naming i-improve," said head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who is entering his second year at the helm.
Middle blocker Em Banagua led UST's balanced offense with nine points, while Ash Knop added seven. Angge Poyos and Marga Altea chipped in six points apiece.
Setters Cassie Carballo and Ar Waje combined for 16 excellent sets in the sweep.
UST will go for its second straight win when it faces Arellano University on August 22 at 3 p.m., still at the same Mandaluyong venue.
On the other hand, Aiezel Parumog heated up in the third set to finish with nine points for San Beda, while Daisy Cagas quietly ended with 13 points. The Lady Red Spikers, however, shot themselves in the foot with 25 errors in the straight-set loss.
San Beda will return to the court later that day at 5 p.m. against NCAA rivals University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.