University of Santo Tomas (UST) overcame a sluggish start to book a 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-21 victory over Letran College in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge yesterday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

Al Bukharie Sali once again spearheaded the Golden Spikers, leading their second-set resurgence and carrying the momentum into the next two frames to seal their second straight victory in this preseason tournament.

Sali finished with 21 points built on 16 attacks, two service aces, and three timely blocks.

“We can’t count the Knights out because they are the first runner-up in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). We had a slow start but we were able to pick up our momentum towards the end,” said UST coach Benjamin Mape, who continues to call the shots in the absence of head coach Odjie Mamon, who is still with Alas Pilipinas Men in their preparations for the World Championships.

Locked at 18 in the fourth set, UST unleashed a decisive 7-3 closing run, highlighted by a 5-0 stretch on the serve of JJ Macam.

After a service error ended Macam’s run and handed Letran a lifeline, the outside hitter quickly redeemed himself with a clutch attack to bring the Golden Spikers to match point.

The Knights saved two match points, but Sali sealed the deal with a powerful kill, ending the one-hour-and-39-minute battle.

Letran started strong, pouncing on UST’s service errors in the opening frame.

The Knights controlled the game with Romer Sumagaysay delivering crucial points to secure the first set.