Janessa Buhay Delivers Final Ace In Bronze Victory
University of the East swept Arellano, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26, to capture the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge bronze medal. Janessa Buhay scored 27 points and delivered the final ace during Wednesday’s match at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Janessa Buhay Powers UE’s Bronze-Medal Victory
Jonash Dannug of Tiebreaker Times chronicled UE’s bronze-medal victory following its semifinal elimination against Adamson University. Buhay supplied 25 attack points and two aces, leading the Lady Warriors through three closely contested sets.
She also recorded 17 excellent receptions during the one-hour, 37-minute encounter, adding another dimension to her performance. Her final service ace secured UE’s podium finish after Arellano threatened to extend the match into another set.
Image from: V-League / Facebook
Buhay Produces 27 Points and 17 Receptions
Buhay’s 27 points represented the match’s highest individual total, with 25 coming from successful attacks against Arellano. Her 17 excellent receptions also documented a substantial contribution beyond scoring during UE’s straight-set victory on Wednesday.
Young UE Core Gains Experience With Bronze Finish
UE entered the bronze-medal match after Adamson defeated the Lady Warriors in the tournament’s semifinal round. Assistant coach Jerome Guhit emphasized the value of competitive experience for a squad featuring numerous young players.
Guhit thanked the V-League for providing UE an opportunity to compete against other collegiate programs during the tournament. He also explained that earning a medal could strengthen confidence among players still developing their competitive experience.
“Masaya kami dahil sabi nga namin, thankful kami kay V-League na binigyan kami ng opportunity na makasali,” said Guhit. “Sabi nga, kukuha kami ng experience na kailangan namin kasi ang daming bata (sa team) eh.”
“Malaking bagay kasi nga kulang sa experience, tapos makaka-medal ka, parang pampataas ng kumpyansa sa kanila ‘to.”
Guhit Sees Medal as Confidence Boost
Guhit’s remarks placed the bronze medal within UE’s broader development, rather than treating third place as consolation alone. His comments also established why the result mattered to a relatively inexperienced team after its semifinal defeat.
UE Saves Set Point to Complete Arellano Sweep
Arellano pushed UE through tight opening sets, losing 25-23 and 25-22 before forcing an extended third set. The Lady Chiefs eventually moved ahead 26-25, leaving themselves one successful rally from extending the contest.
Buhay responded with a cross-court attack to level the score before Catherine Chu sent her next attempt long. With UE holding match point at 27-26, Buhay served an ace to complete the sweep and secure bronze.
Buhay Delivers Match-Winning Service Ace
The final three rallies overturned Arellano’s 26-25 advantage and transformed a possible fourth set into UE’s victory. Buhay contributed the equalizing attack and match-ending ace, with Chu’s error separating those two decisive plays.
Bangayan Gives UE Another Major Scoring Threat
Van Bangayan added 21 points through 19 attacks and two aces, providing substantial support alongside Buhay’s 27. Together, the two UE scorers contributed 48 points during the Lady Warriors’ three-set victory over Arellano.
Team captain and libero Angge Reyes registered 14 excellent receptions, supporting UE’s floor coverage during the medal match. Jennel Arasan contributed 16 excellent sets, giving the Lady Warriors another measurable contribution beyond their leading scorers.
Reyes and Arasan Support Lady Warriors’ Attack
Bangayan’s 21 points gave UE a second player above 20, complementing Buhay’s match-leading total of 27. Reyes and Arasan contributed in reception and setting, respectively, as UE completed its bronze-medal campaign against Arellano.
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Arellano Falls Short Despite Third-Set Push
Catherine Chu led Arellano with 12 points and nine excellent receptions despite the Lady Chiefs’ straight-set defeat. Captain Kacelyn Punzalan added 10 points, while Crisanta Servidad contributed eight during the tightly contested medal match.
Samantha Tiratira scored seven points, and Princess Al-Ag finished with six for Arellano in the losing effort. The Lady Chiefs came closest to extending the contest when they reached set point late in the third.
Chu and Punzalan Lead Lady Chiefs
Arellano’s 26-25 third-set lead represented its clearest chance to extend the bronze-medal contest beyond three sets. Chu’s subsequent attack error and Buhay’s closing ace ended that opportunity, leaving UE with the podium finish.
Analytical Breakdown: Balance Powered UE
Buhay’s 27 points carried greater value because she maintained heavy attacking responsibility while remaining consistently involved in UE’s reception structure. Bangayan’s scoring support gave UE essential balance, preventing Arellano from concentrating its defensive system entirely around Buhay. Closing the third set after facing set point showed valuable composure that UE’s developing core can carry into tougher competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the V-League bronze medal between UE and Arellano?
University of the East swept Arellano University, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26, to claim the women’s bronze medal.
How many points did Janessa Buhay score against Arellano?
Buhay finished with 27 points from 25 attacks and two aces while also recording 17 excellent receptions.
Who supported Janessa Buhay in scoring for UE?
Van Bangayan delivered 21 points, including 19 attacks and two aces, giving UE another major offensive option.
How did UE win the third set?
UE erased Arellano’s 26-25 lead through Buhay’s cross-court attack, an Arellano error, and Buhay’s match-ending service ace.
Who led Arellano in the bronze-medal match?
Catherine Chu led the Lady Chiefs with 12 points and nine excellent receptions, while Kacelyn Punzalan added 10 points.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.
