By Jean Malanum

TOPSCORER. University of the East’s Vanessa Bangayan (right) challenges two University of Perpetual Help defenders during the V-League Collegiate Challenge at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City on Sunday (Sept. 13, 2026). Bangayan finished with 33 points in leading the Lady Warriors to victory, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 15-12. (V-League photo)

MANILA – University of the East banked on Vanessa Karzai Bangayan and Janessa Blaire Buhay to survive University of Perpetual Help, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 15-12, and end its three-game slump in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City on Sunday.

The Lady Warriors were trailing 8-12 before Bangayan and Buhay led a 7-0 run to seal the victory in two hours and two minutes.

Bangayan exploded for 33 points on 31 attacks, one ace and one block; while Buhay chipped in 20 points on 13 attacks, six aces and one block as UE boosted its semifinal bid.

Jennel Sofia Arasan made 19 excellent sets to go with two points, while Angelica Reyes had 20 excellent receptions and 19 digs.

“It’s a good test of character for the players, the composure on how to win in a fifth set. As I said, this is a preseason tournament, so we need all the experience that we can get,” UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan said.

Cyrille Joie Almeniana led the Lady Altas with 13 points followed by Jemalyn Menor with 11 points.

UE will face winless Letran at 3 p.m. while Perpetual will meet College of Saint Benilde at 5 p.m. on Sept. 19. (PNA)