Heavyweights University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Adamson University display their might, posting impressive wins in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Golden Tigresses were simply impressive, booking a 25–15, 25–16, 25–19 victory over San Beda University while the Lady Falcons opened their title defense in style, sweeping University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25–21, 25–18, 25–22, in the first game.

UST remained clinical on both sides of the floor, leaning on another product of their high school program in Kim Rubin to prevent the Lady Red Spikers from extending the match in the third set.

Rubin, who came off the bench in the third frame, stabilized UST's floor defense before eventually finishing the match in transition with the clinching kill.

The former Alas youth standout finished with six points, all from attacks, while also contributing three digs and two excellent receptions to bolster the team's defense. Sandrine Escober, one of the squad's new liberos, accounted for six of UST's 17 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 16-minute match.

Meanwhile, without reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons turned to Nigerian outside hitter Frances Mordi, who delivered when it mattered most, particularly during a tight second-set opening and the decisive stretch of the third frame.

Mordi finished with a match-high 20 points on 16 kills, two service aces, and a block. Her aces helped Adamson take control in the second set, while her rejection sealed the victory in the third.

"First of all, I thank God that we got this win. Also I'm happy that we won our first game. I'm happy because everybody performed well," Adamson head coach JP Yude said.

Lana Barrera chipped in 12 points while filling in for Nitura for two sets, while Lhouriz Tuddao impressed in her debut as an opposite hitter with nine markers.

The Lady Falcons will next test the mettle of the new-look University of the East Lady Warriors on 23 August at 3 p.m.

For Perpetual, Cyrille Almeñiana made a strong start but was eventually contained by Adamson's defense and finished with eight points.