The CSB Lady Blazers celebrate a point against Letran in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 23, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — College of Saint Benilde scored a four-set win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran to bounce back in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Blazers came away with a 25–19, 18–25, 25–21, 25–18 over the Lady Knights — who had beaten them in the NCAA Finals last season.
It was a breakthrough result for CSB after their opening day loss to the University of the East. They overcame a stumble in the second set to wrap up the match in an hour and 37 minutes.
Benilde leaned on a dominant fourth set, racing to a nine-point lead at 17–8 and never looking back, even as Letran found its second wind and mounted a late comeback attempt.
"Adjustment is kaunti lang, ikot ng tao, ganon lang. Ang habol talaga namin is exposure for all na maglaro lang," said head coach Jerry Yee.
"Wala pa, hilaw pa; hindi pa kami masaya. Pero ganon talaga, kailangan naming maging patient," the seasoned mentor added of his current squad.
Middle blockers Arianna Pua and Fionna Inocentes led the Lady Blazers, who are entering the post-Zam Nolasco era. Pua finished with 19 points on 13 kills, including two timely hits in the fourth set, along with three blocks and three service aces, while Inocentes added seven markers.
Grace Borromeo and Mhonniecka Soliven chipped in 10 points apiece, while captain Zen Basilio tallied 13 excellent sets.
The Lady Blazers will go for their second straight win against league-leading Arellano University (2–0) on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Judiel Nitura exploded for 18 points in her season debut for Letran, while Rheina Merwa added 16.
The Lady Knights, who slipped to 0–2, will look to arrest their skid when they face the Adamson University Lady Falcons (2–0) later in the day at noon.