MANILA — University of the East survived an error-strewn performance to defeat University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in a five-set affair on Sunday.
The Lady Warriors rallied in the fifth set to come away with a 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 15-12 win over the Lady Altas at the Gameville Central Park.
The win was a showcase of UE's grit, as they squandered a chance to close out the game in the fourth set then trailed 8-12 in the deciding set.
But behind the tandem of Janessa Buhay and Van Bangayan, the Lady Warriors completed the comeback. Buhay scored three points in UE's finishing run, allowing her team to snap a three-game skid and keep their semis hopes alive.
Bangayan exploded for 33 points on 31 attacks, one ace, and one block as UE clawed its way into a four-way tie for fourth to seventh with College of Saint Benilde, San Beda University, and Perpetual at identical 2-3 records.
UE's Van Bangayan in action against Perpetual Help in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 13, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park. PVL Media
Buhay, meanwhile, delivered an all-around performance of 20 points on 13 attacks, six aces, and one block, along with 16 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs in two hours and two minutes of play.
It was the perfect response for the Lady Warriors, who had dropped their previous two games in five sets against the University of Santo Tomas and San Beda University.
UE got the job done despite committing a whopping 43 errors in the match.
"I think it's about time na finally magising kami kasi pang-ilang fifth-set game na namin, and the last two hindi nanalo. We were able to extend the match, but sa fifth set bumibitaw," said UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan.
"It's a good test of character for the players, yung composure na on how to win in a fifth set. Sabi ko nga, this is a preseason tournament, so we need all the experience that we can get," he added.
Jennel Arasan steered the Lady Warriors' offense with 19 excellent sets to go along with two points, while Ange Reyes turned in a stellar defensive outing with 20 excellent receptions and 19 excellent digs.
Edcynth Brago and Francheska Adem, meanwhile, provided support on the offensive end with eight and nine points, respectively.
UE will look to boost its semifinal chances against winless Letran on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
On the other hand, Cyrille Alemaniana and Jemalyn Menor led the Lady Altas with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Perpetual will look to bounce back against Benilde on Saturday at 5 p.m.