MANILA — University of Santo Tomas is back on track in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after a comfortable win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday.
The Golden Tigresses came away with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-19 win over the Lady Knights at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City — a bounce back result after a shock loss to Perpetual Help in their previous assignment.
READ: Perpetual Help scores impressive sweep of UST
The victory improved the Golden Tigresses' record to 3-2, boosting their chances of securing a semifinals berth as they climbed to third in the standings.
UST's Ashlee Knop in action against Letran in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 13, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
"Syempre una masaya kasi nanalo kami. To be honest, I think siguro 'yung gusto namin is mas mapaganda pa 'yung nilalaro namin, mag-improve pa para sa mga susunod pa naming laro," said UST head coach Shaq delos Santos.
UST dominated the match with a 41-33 advantage in attacks, an 8-1 edge in blocks, and a 6-5 cushion in aces against the winless Lady Knights, who officially bowed out of the tournament with a 0-5 record.
Ashlee Knop led the Golden Tigresses with a game-high 14 points on 13 attacks and one ace in the one-hour, 22-minute victory.
Kimberly Rubin added eight markers, while Marga Altea and Erica Gutierrez chipped in seven and six points, respectively, as UST's balanced offensive attack kept Letran from finding its footing throughout the match.
Judiel Nitura paced the Lady Knights with 11 points, while Carlyn Tizon contributed 10.
UST will next face UAAP rival Adamson University on September 20 at 5 p.m., with a semifinals berth within reach.
Meanwhile, Letran will look to secure its first win of the tournament when it takes on the University of the East on Saturday at 3 p.m.