Action between Arellano and UST in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, August 29, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — Arellano University piled on University of Santo Tomas' struggles in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, taking a five-set victory on Saturday to keep the Golden Spikers winless.
The Chiefs bounced back from a brutal fourth set to claim a 23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 13-25, 15-12 triumph at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
In the final set, Arellano built a 10-6 lead following a CJ Dominguito off-the-block conversion.
The Golden Spikers mounted one last push after Jiwen Sinuto committed an attack error, but Gboy de Vega's service error ultimately ended UST's comeback bid after two hours and eight minutes of action.
With the win, the Chiefs improved to 2-1 in the standings, while the Golden Spikers remained winless after three games.
"One point lang lagi at the time. Tapos mag-focus lang kami, point by point. Tapos sana, ang importante eh, 100% effort talaga para makuha naman ang panalo lang," Arellano head coach Bryan Vitug said. "Kada point talaga dapat tinatrabaho, hindi basta-basta [nawawala ang] focus."
Dominguito led Arellano with 21 points, while Arvin Garcia chipped in 11.
UST, meanwhile, had four players score in double digits, led by de Vega with 18 points. JJ Macam and Trevor Valera each finished with 16 markers, while Catinsag added 10 in the loss.
Arellano will next face De La Salle University on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10:00 a.m.
UST, meanwhile, will have two weeks to regroup before returning to action against the Mapua University Cardinals on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 3:00 p.m.