MANILA — University of Santo Tomas fueled its semifinals hopes with a four-set triumph over Mapua University in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday.
The Golden Spikers overcame a slow start en route to a 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24 triumph at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City — their second straight win in the tournament.
UST moved into a share of fifth place with De La Salle University at 2-3, with two games remaining in the preliminary round. Meanwhile, the Cardinals remained winless after five games.
University of Santo Tomas celebrates a point against Mapua in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 12, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
"'Yong maturity ng bata, nade-develop na. At the same time, yung work as a team, nagiging solid na sila ngayon," UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape said. "Magandang preparation towards UAAP para nakikita na namin 'yong mga tao na potential na pwede naming gawitin."
"Meron pa kaming ico-correct. Kasi may mga lapses pa pagdating sa pressure game. Minsan nagre-relax, ia-ayos namin 'yon. Dapat pag naglaro, laro … kailangan 'yong consistency maayos [pa] namin," he added.
After surrendering a 19-7 run in the opening set to Mapúa, the Golden Spikers bounced back in the next two frames, holding off late rallies from the Cardinals to take control of the match.
Mapúa then pushed UST to the brink in the fourth set as both sides traded points in a nip-and-tuck battle. A Patrick Lardizabal joust put the Cardinals within reach of forcing a deciding frame, 24-22.
However, UST responded when it mattered most, with Al-Bukhari Sali delivering back-to-back off-the-block hits to swing the advantage in the Golden Spikers' favor and give them match point, 25-24.
Patrick Reyes then sent his attack wide, allowing UST to escape with its second straight win after one hour and 48 minutes of action.
Sali led all scorers with 22 points built on 20 attacks and two aces. Trevor Valera finished with 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks, while Gboy de Vega added 10 markers for the Golden Spikers.
For Mapúa, Reyes spearheaded the team with 14 points, while Ar-jay Ramos added 13 points for the Cardinals.
UST will look to sustain its momentum when it faces Benilde on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. at Gameville Central Park.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals will have just 24 hours to recover before seeking their first win against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.