Letran celebrates against Mapua in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 13, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park. PVL Media
MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran is the first team to clinch a spot in the men's semifinals of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Knights took their place in the next round after a tough 23-25, 27-25, 25-14, 19-25, 15-9 victory over the Mapua Cardinals on Sunday at the Gameville Central Park.
This was Letran's fifth win in a row since dropping their opening assignment against Arellano University.
Wayne Araño orchestrated Letran's thrilling escape from the upset-seeking Cardinals, delivering 22 excellent sets and two points, including the game-winning ace that finally put the Knights over the line and into the semifinals.
However, Letran head coach Jessie Lopez was far from pleased with how the Knights handled the game, particularly after they squandered a chance to close it out in the fourth set while holding a 2-1 advantage.
Still, Lopez was relieved to see his wards weather the late scare and finish the job in the deciding frame, earning the win that sent them to the Final Four.
"Hindi ako masaya. Unang-una, hinahanap ko sa kanila 'yung pagsunod sa sistema. Masyadong complacent 'yung galaw masyado nilang in-easy easy," said Lopez.
"During training naman okay 'yung galaw namin, pero pagdating sa game bakit naging ganyan. Medyo nakapagsalita ako ng 'di maganda, pero nag-sorry naman ako," he added.
Despite the complacency that nearly derailed their early entry to the semifinals, Letran regained its footing in the deciding set, turning a 5-all deadlock into a 9-5 cushion with a 6-2 run.
The Cardinals refused to go quietly, however, trimming the deficit to just two at 11-9 after back-to-back errors from the Knights.
Araño then took matters into his own hands, spearheading a 4-0 finishing kick highlighted by two aces to seal the victory after two hours and five minutes.
Dave Lardizabal paced Letran with 21 points on 16 attacks and five kill blocks along with eight excellent digs.
Jessel Nimo led the way with 17 points, while Christer Ambrocio also chipped in 17 markers and added 11 excellent receptions for the Knights, who committed 36 errors in the win.
Letran will have plenty of time to regroup and fine-tune its game before returning to action, as the Knights aim to finish the eliminations on a six-game winning streak when they take on Far Eastern University on September 27.
On the other hand, Ar-Jay Ramos' 26-point, 8-dig outing went for naught as Mapua failed to complete its upset bid—falling to 0-6.
Sam Alcantara put up 12 points and 14 excellent receptions in the defeat, while Adrian Musni had 11.
The Cardinals will look to end its campaign on a winning note versus Arellano on Saturday.