MANILA — University of the East remains in the running for a place in the semifinals of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Lady Warriors revived their chances with a 25–23, 25–20, 25–18 sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Needing to earn the maximum points possible in the fewest sets, the Lady Red Warriors delivered after surviving the Lady Knights' comeback attempt in the opening frame.
UE improved to a 3–3 record and moved into fourth place, with senior wing hitter Van Bangayan leading the charge throughout the one-hour, 14-minute match.
UE's Van Bangayan in action against Letran in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 19, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
"Ang goal namin is maka-three sets or four talaga. Kasi, Diyos ko, yung mga games namin puro five sets. Kailangan naman naming maka-uwi nang maaga at makapahinga, maka-recover para sa susunod na training, kasi may last game pa kasi," libero and team captain Angge Reyes shared.
Bangayan was all over the court in the crucial victory, finishing with 19 points on 13 kills, three blocks, and three service aces.
Incoming rookie Janessa Buhay chipped in 10 points, while setter Sofia Arasan was solid with 10 excellent sets and four points. Reyes nearly posted a double-double of her own with 16 digs and eight excellent receptions.
The Lady Red Warriors will face the semifinal-bound Arellano University Lady Chiefs for a spot in the Final Four next Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m.
"Kakayanin namin at magtatrabaho lang kami sa mga training namin. Kung ano man maging resulta, it's OK for us. No pressure naman for us, from our coaches. Pero as players, gusto naming makakuha ng semis," Reyes added when asked about the team's mindset heading into the pivotal game.
On the other hand, no Lady Knight scored in double figures, with Kaizah Huyno and Judiel Nitura finishing with nine and seven points, respectively.
Letran will try to close out its campaign with a win over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA later that same day at noon.