Tigresses complete V-League semis cast

University of Santo Tomas (UST) completed the cast of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinalists following a clinical sweep of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25–23, 25–16, 25–16, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

After nearly squandering a huge lead in the opening set, the Golden Tigresses regrouped in the second and third frames, using their defense as their primary weapon.

UST then turned to its lethal attack to put the game away, with Marga Altea and Bianca Plaza providing the finishing touches as the Golden Tigresses secured their spot in the semifinals.

“We’re just happy and, of course, blessed because our elimination round and our start were really up-and-down. The good thing is we were also able to test our new players. That was really our goal — to see their reactions and how they perform once they’re right there in the game,” UST coach Shaq delos Santos said.

Altea paced the Golden Tigresses with 15 points, consistently finishing rallies whenever the Lady Blazers threatened to close the gap. The versatile spiker tallied 11 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace, while also contributing four excellent receptions.

Captain Reg Jurado backstopped her junior teammate with a double-double of 14 points and 11 digs, while Angge Poyos also made an impact on both ends with eight points, eight digs, and five excellent receptions.

With UST accomplishing its first goal, Delos Santos hopes the team can build on the momentum it has established over the past few games.

“Perhaps it’s about adapting to the coaches' system. Because we’re at a point where we really need to know what we want to execute on the court,” Delos Santos added.

“We shouldn't be second-guessing, which is why we’re heavily investing in training.”

On the other hand, the Lady Blazers finished the tournament with a 2–5 record.

Cam Bartolome tried to keep Benilde within striking distance, but she finished as the team's lone player in double figures with 13 points.

University of Santo Tomas (UST) completed the cast of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinalists following a clinical sweep of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25–23, 25–16, 25–16, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

After nearly squandering a huge lead in the opening set, the Golden Tigresses regrouped in the second and third frames, using their defense as their primary weapon.

UST then turned to its lethal attack to put the game away, with Marga Altea and Bianca Plaza providing the finishing touches as the Golden Tigresses secured their spot in the semifinals.University of Santo Tomas (UST) completed the cast of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinalists following a clinical sweep of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25–23, 25–16, 25–16, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

After nearly squandering a huge lead in the opening set, the Golden Tigresses regrouped in the second and third frames, using their defense as their primary weapon.

UST then turned to its lethal attack to put the game away, with Marga Altea and Bianca Plaza providing the finishing touches as the Golden Tigresses secured their spot in the semifinals.

“We’re just happy and, of course, blessed because our elimination round and our start were really up-and-down. The good thing is we were also able to test our new players. That was really our goal — to see their reactions and how they perform once they’re right there in the game,” UST coach Shaq delos Santos said.

Altea paced the Golden Tigresses with 15 points, consistently finishing rallies whenever the Lady Blazers threatened to close the gap. The versatile spiker tallied 11 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace, while also contributing four excellent receptions.

Captain Reg Jurado backstopped her junior teammate with a double-double of 14 points and 11 digs, while Angge Poyos also made an impact on both ends with eight points, eight digs, and five excellent receptions.

With UST accomplishing its first goal, Delos Santos hopes the team can build on the momentum it has established over the past few games.

“Perhaps it’s about adapting to the coaches' system. Because we’re at a point where we really need to know what we want to execute on the court,” Delos Santos added.

“We shouldn't be second-guessing, which is why we’re heavily investing in training.”

On the other hand, the Lady Blazers finished the tournament with a 2–5 record.

Cam Bartolome tried to keep Benilde within striking distance, but she finished as the team's lone player in double figures with 13 points.