UST's Marga Altea in action against UE in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 5, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — Marga Altea took charge in the decider to power University of Santo Tomas against University in five sets, Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
UST recovered in time to seize a 24–26, 25–17, 25–23, 20–25, 15–5, putting them back on the right track in the preliminary round of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
After faltering in the fourth set, the Golden Tigresses regained their bearings in the decider where they surged to an 8-2 advantage and never looked back. Altea outscored the entire UE team by herself, 6-5; her final point was an ace that gave UST a 13-4 lead.
Ash Knop, who came on for Julia Balingit, eventually finished off the longest match of the day after two hours and nine minutes, sending UST to a bounce-back victory.
"Good thing yung naka-recover sila. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kung ano yung mga nangyari nung first four sets, kalimutan na yan. Good thing naging ganito yung response nila," said Shaq Delos Santos on how his young squad responded without seniors Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos, who both sat out the game.
Altea flirted with a triple-double after finishing with 21 points on 16 kills, two blocks, and three service aces, while also tallying 12 excellent receptions and nine digs.
It was a bittersweet victory for UST, however, as Balingit went down with a right ankle injury in the fourth set. The Filipino-Japanese winger finished with 19 points.
Cassie Carballo, who served as team captain, delivered 30 excellent sets in the marathon match.
UST, which improved to 2–1, will go for back-to-back wins against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (1–2) in their rescheduled match on Wednesday at noon.
Van Bangayan rose to the occasion for the Lady Warriors with 18 points, but her effort, along with Janessa Buhay’s 15, was not enough as UE slipped to 1–2.
UE will try to bounce back against San Beda University (0–2) in the preceding match at 10 a.m.