Straight-Set Wins Tighten Final Four Race in Collegiate Challenge
University of the East and Perpetual kept their V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinal campaigns alive through timely straight-set victories in Mandaluyong. Both teams improved to 3-3, increasing the pressure surrounding their final preliminary-round assignments in the crowded Final Four chase.
UE Sweeps Letran to Keep Semifinal Bid Alive
In coverage for Tiebreaker Times, Aeron Paul Valderrama chronicled UE’s 25-23, 25-20, 25-18 victory over Letran at Gameville Central Park. The Lady Red Warriors completed the sweep in 74 minutes, improving their record while avoiding another physically demanding five-set contest.
Captain and libero Angge Reyes explained that finishing within three or four sets became an important objective for UE. Her comments emphasized recovery after several extended matches, particularly with another decisive preliminary-round assignment still remaining against semifinal-bound Arellano.
“Ang goal namin is maka-three sets or four talaga. Kasi, Diyos ko, yung mga games namin puro five sets. Kailangan naman naming makauwi nang maaga at makapahinga, maka-recover para sa susunod na training, kasi may last game pa kasi,” Reyes shared.
Image from: V-League / Facebook
Bangayan Powers Efficient Lady Red Warriors Win
Van Bangayan led UE with 19 points from 13 kills, three blocks, and three service aces against Letran. Incoming rookie Janessa Buhay contributed 10 points, preventing Letran from concentrating its defensive coverage exclusively around Bangayan throughout the match.
UE Finds Balance Behind Bangayan and Reyes
Setter Sofia Arasan recorded 10 excellent sets and four points while directing UE’s offense through the straight-set victory. Her distribution helped maintain multiple attacking options, particularly after Letran pushed the Lady Red Warriors during a tight opening frame.
Reyes strengthened that balance defensively with 16 digs and eight excellent receptions while anchoring UE’s backcourt throughout the contest. Stable first contact allowed the Lady Red Warriors to create transition opportunities instead of repeatedly relying on predictable out-of-system attacks.
First Contact Keeps Lady Red Warriors Organized
UE closes preliminary competition against semifinal-bound Arellano on September 26 with another important opportunity to strengthen its postseason bid. Reyes said the coaching staff has avoided unnecessary pressure, although the players remain determined to secure a semifinal appearance.
“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 said.
Perpetual Sweeps Benilde to Match UE at 3-3
Perpetual matched UE’s record later by defeating Benilde, 25-19, 27-25, 25-21, in another important straight-set result. The Lady Altas completed their victory in 77 minutes, improving to 3-3 and remaining directly involved in semifinal contention.
Benilde threatened most seriously during the extended second set, forcing Perpetual beyond regulation before falling by two points. Securing that 27-25 frame gave the Lady Altas a commanding advantage before their 25-21 third-set victory completed the sweep.
Lady Altas Survive Critical Second-Set Battle
Perpetual’s second-set escape demonstrated valuable composure because one late mistake could have allowed Benilde to completely change the match. Instead, the Lady Altas handled the decisive exchanges before maintaining enough control to prevent another physically demanding extended contest.
Almeñiana Leads Balanced Perpetual Performance
Cyrille Almeñiana delivered an all-around performance with 14 points, 10 digs, and nine excellent receptions during Perpetual’s victory. Jem Menor supplied 13 points entirely through successful attacks, providing another dependable finishing option whenever Benilde threatened during rallies.
Setter Collette Gaa added 20 excellent sets and two points while maintaining Perpetual’s offensive rhythm across three competitive frames. Her distribution complemented Almeñiana’s two-way production and Menor’s finishing, giving the Lady Altas multiple contributors during important stretches.
Rieta Demands Cleaner Execution Before Letran
Perpetual coach Sandy Rieta welcomed the victory but remained dissatisfied with recurring errors before the Lady Altas face Letran. His message emphasized studying opponents and improving execution instead of allowing another positive result to hide correctable problems.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila is laban lang; and then yung improvement. Hindi lang dapat tayo naglalaro at nag-e-enjoy, dapat pinag-aaralan din natin yung movement nung kalaro natin. Medyo maganda naman siya, pero dahil marami pa ring errors, hindi pa rin ako masaya,” Rieta said.
Recommended Article: China Sweeps Kazakhstan, Draws Vietnam in Asian Games
UE and Perpetual Enter Final Four Race at 3-3
UE and Perpetual now carry identical 3-3 records with only one preliminary-round assignment remaining for each semifinal contender. The Lady Red Warriors face Arellano, while the Lady Altas meet Letran with both teams still pursuing postseason qualification.
Their straight-set victories also reduced unnecessary physical workloads before matches carrying considerably greater consequences for the tournament standings. Serving pressure, dependable reception, and execution during late rallies should become increasingly important as both teams pursue semifinal opportunities.
Final Preliminary Matches Leave Little Margin
UE faces Arellano at 10 a.m. on September 26, while Perpetual meets Letran at noon later that day. Both contenders must first control their own performances before considering how other preliminary-round results could affect the remaining semifinal race.
Analytical Breakdown: Every Set Now Matters
UE’s efficient sweep preserved valuable energy, while Bangayan’s varied scoring reduced pressure on teammates during a demanding semifinal chase. Perpetual showed similar composure against Benilde, although Rieta’s concern about errors remains significant entering another decisive preliminary-round match. With both teams at 3-3, serving pressure, reliable first contact, and late-set execution should determine their semifinal chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UE’s V-League Collegiate Challenge record?
UE improved to 3-3 after sweeping Letran, 25-23, 25-20, 25-18, during their preliminary-round matchup in Mandaluyong.
How many points did Van Bangayan score against Letran?
Van Bangayan scored 19 points from 13 kills, three blocks, and three aces during UE’s straight-set victory.
What is Perpetual’s record after beating Benilde?
Perpetual improved to 3-3 after defeating Benilde, 25-19, 27-25, 25-21, to remain alive in the semifinal race.
Who led Perpetual against Benilde?
Cyrille Almeñiana scored 14 points with 10 digs and nine excellent receptions, while Jem Menor contributed 13 points.
Who do UE and Perpetual play next?
UE faces Arellano at 10 a.m., while Perpetual meets Letran at noon on September 26 in Mandaluyong.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
