MANILA — Van Bangayan was unstoppable as the University of the East overcame Arellano University to stay in the hunt for a Final 4 spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday.
Bangayan torched the Lady Chiefs for 34 points in UE's 25–20, 22–25, 25–22, 25–15 victory at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Her output was just three points shy of the league scoring record of 37 set by her former teammate, Casiey Dongallo, three years ago.
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Van Bangayan of UE in action against Arellano in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 26, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
Needing to win in three or four sets, the Lady Red Warriors leaned on clutch hits from seniors Bangayan and Bea Zamudio in the fourth set to secure the victory.
With the Lady Chiefs leading 13–12, head coach Jerome Guhit called on Zamudio, and the outside hitter responded with back-to-back kills.
That cushion proved enough as UE pulled away to take the set and complete the victory.
"Kami kasi ginanahan kami sa last push na 'to. Kung gusto niyong mag-semis, ipanalo niyo 'to. Yun yung nagbigay sa 'min ng lakas ng loob," said team captain Angge Reyes.
Bangayan also contributed seven digs, while incoming rookie Janessa Buhay finished with 17 points before yielding her spot to Zamudio.
With a chance to make the Final Four, Reyes wants to see better resolve from the squad if it makes the cut.
"If ever man pumasok kami, may mga bagay pa kami na dapat i-work on. Siyempre sa top four teams, labanan yan. May respeto naman yan sa lahat ng teams, so kung sino na lang talaga mag-stand out then," said the ace libero.
Arellano, meanwhile, will have to regroup heading into the semifinals after losing its final two preliminary-round assignments.
Cris Servidad and Catherine Chu finished with 18 and 15 points, respectively, and will need more support from the rest of the Lady Chiefs come playoff time.