UST Stays Unbeaten as Benilde Rebounds in Shakey’s Collegiate Invitationals

The University of Santo Tomas strengthened its bid for a semifinal berth, while the College of Saint Benilde revived its Final Four hopes with a confidence-boosting victory as the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals continued at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Both contenders delivered composed performances that highlighted the depth and competitiveness of this year’s collegiate preseason tournament.

UST remained the tournament’s only unbeaten team after another convincing straight-set victory, while Benilde overcame a determined Enderun Colleges side to return to the winning column. With only a handful of elimination matches remaining, every result now carries greater importance in shaping the race for the knockout stage.

UST Moves Closer to the Semifinals

UST continued its impressive run by sweeping Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-22, 25-17, 25-13, to improve to 3-0 in the standings. ABS-CBN News reported that the Golden Tigresses completed the victory in just 80 minutes, placing themselves within striking distance of a semifinal berth with two elimination matches left.

The Golden Tigresses once again relied on disciplined execution rather than individual brilliance, controlling the match through efficient attacking, dominant blocking, and consistent service pressure. Although UST committed several unforced errors, its overall balance prevented Letran from building any sustained momentum throughout the contest.

Image from: The Varsitarian

Golden Tigresses Controlled Every Phase

UST dictated the pace by winning extended rallies, limiting Letran’s offensive options, and consistently protecting the net through organized team defense. That balanced approach has become one of the defining characteristics of the Golden Tigresses during the opening stretch of the tournament.

UST Team Statistics

• 36 kills
• 13 kill blocks
• 9 service aces
• 23 team errors

Balanced Production Continues to Fuel UST

One of UST’s biggest strengths has been its ability to generate offense from multiple players instead of relying on a single primary scorer. Avril Bron and Erica Gutierrez finished with six points each, while Bianca Plaza anchored the defensive effort with four of the team’s 13 kill blocks.

That balanced scoring distribution makes defensive game planning considerably more difficult because opponents cannot simply focus on stopping one attacker. UST’s combination of offensive efficiency and disciplined net defense has established the España-based squad as one of the early favorites to capture the tournament title.

UST’s Leading Contributors

• Avril Bron — 6 points
• Erica Gutierrez — 6 points
• Bianca Plaza — 4 kill blocks
• Team record — 3-0

Letran Enters a Must-Win Stretch

The defeat dropped defending NCAA champion Letran to 1-2, leaving the Lady Knights with little margin for error over their remaining elimination matches. Every upcoming contest now carries added significance as they attempt to keep their semifinal hopes alive against a competitive field.

Despite the loss, Letran continued to receive solid offensive production from Verenicce Colandre, who scored nine points, while Joralyn Panangin contributed six. The Lady Knights now turn their attention to another demanding assignment against Benilde in a rematch of last season’s NCAA Finals.

Pressure Continues to Build

Letran has shown flashes of strong play throughout the tournament, but inconsistent execution against elite opponents has prevented the defending NCAA champions from finding sustained momentum. Responding effectively over the final two elimination matches will determine whether the Lady Knights remain in contention for a place in the knockout round.

Benilde Regains Momentum With Crucial Victory

The College of Saint Benilde responded impressively after its previous setback, overcoming a determined Enderun Colleges squad in four sets to improve to 2-1 in the standings. The Lady Blazers recovered from a competitive second set before controlling the closing stages of the match to keep their Final Four campaign on track.

The victory showcased Benilde’s resilience during pressure-filled moments, as the Lady Blazers continued attacking aggressively despite committing 31 team errors. Their ability to remain composed during decisive rallies ultimately proved to be the difference against an Enderun side that refused to back down.

Soliven Leads the Comeback

Rookie outside hitter Mhonniecka Soliven once again spearheaded Benilde’s offense, finishing with a match-high 20 points built on consistent attacking and confident serving. After the victory, she emphasized that the team still has room to improve despite returning to the winning column.

“Marami pa ring bagay na nagla-lack pero I think mas magi-improve pa kami sa mga next games namin.”

Lady Blazers’ Top Performers

• Mhonniecka Soliven — 20 points (18 attacks, 2 aces)
• Camila Bartolome — 19 points, 4 kill blocks, 1 ace
• Mary Grace Borromeo — 9 points
• Fionna Inocentes — 9 points

Veteran Leadership Carries Benilde Through Pressure

Enderun repeatedly challenged Benilde by extending rallies and nearly stealing key stretches of the match, including a late surge that threatened to change the outcome. The Lady Blazers answered every challenge behind the experience of Camila Bartolome, whose timely crosscourt winner sealed the victory when the pressure reached its highest point.

Bartolome’s composure reflected the importance of experienced leadership during tightly contested tournament matches where momentum can change quickly. Those clutch performances could become increasingly valuable as Benilde enters the decisive stage of the elimination round.

Experience Made the Difference

Benilde remained disciplined during the closing rallies instead of forcing difficult attacks under pressure. That patience, combined with veteran decision-making, allowed the Lady Blazers to capitalize on critical scoring opportunities when the match was still within reach.

Enderun Continues to Show Fighting Spirit

Although Enderun slipped to 0-3, the Lady Titans once again demonstrated that their record does not accurately reflect how competitive they have been throughout the tournament. They pushed Benilde deep into several sets and nearly secured the second frame after building a 24-22 advantage before the Lady Blazers mounted a late comeback.

The narrow missed opportunity ultimately shifted the momentum of the match, but Enderun continued competing with determination until the final point. The Lady Titans will now look to convert those encouraging performances into their first victory when they face Vietnamese guest club Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club.

Enderun’s Leading Scorers

• Althea Botor — 16 points
• Jasmine Salvani — 12 points
• Aurea Alvaro — 11 points
• Tournament record — 0-3

Analytical Breakdown: Depth Defines Tournament Success

Early-season collegiate tournaments often reveal the effectiveness of a team’s overall system rather than the performance of individual stars alone. UST’s balanced scoring distribution and consistent blocking indicate an offense capable of creating multiple attacking options while maintaining a disciplined defensive structure at the net. That versatility makes defensive game planning more difficult as opponents cannot rely on limiting a single primary scorer.

Benilde’s victory highlighted another characteristic common among successful tournament teams: the ability to recover from momentum swings without abandoning tactical discipline. Although the Lady Blazers committed a high number of errors, they remained effective during crucial rallies through timely attacking, defensive adjustments, and experienced decision-making. Developing that composure in tightly contested matches can become a significant advantage as the competition progresses toward the knockout stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is UST’s win important?

The victory improved UST to 3-0 and moved the Golden Tigresses closer to securing a semifinal berth in the Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals.

Who led UST against Letran?

Avril Bron, Erica Gutierrez, and Bianca Plaza led UST with balanced scoring and strong net defense throughout the straight-set victory.

Who was Benilde’s top scorer?

Rookie outside hitter Mhonniecka Soliven paced Benilde with 20 points, including 18 attacks and two service aces.

What is Enderun’s record after the loss?

Enderun dropped to 0-3 and remains in search of its first victory in the tournament.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Daily Tribune.