Lady Warriors sweep Lady Chiefs to finish at V-League podium

MANILA — University of the East closed its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on a high note, sweeping Arellano University, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26, to secure the bronze medal on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Lady Warriors battled through a tense and hard-fought affair with the Lady Chiefs before earning a spot on the podium, bouncing back from their semifinal setback against Adamson University that denied them a place in the championship match.

Janessa Buhay took charge for UE, erupting for 27 points on 25 attacks and two aces while also tallying 17 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 37-minute encounter.

“Masaya kami dahil sabi nga namin, thankful kami kay V-League na binigyan kami ng opportunity na makasali,” said Lady Warriors assistant coach Jerome Guhit. “Sabi nga, kukuha kami ng experience na kailangan namin kasi ang daming bata (sa team) eh.”

“Malaking bagay kasi nga kulang sa experience, tapos makaka-medal ka, parang pampataas ng kumpyansa sa kanila ‘to.”

UE found itself in a 25-26 hole in the extended third set before Buhay delivered a cross-court attack to level the score at 26-all and put the Lady Warriors within striking distance of closing out the match.

Catherine Chu tried to restore Arellano’s lead, but her attack sailed long. Buhay then came through once again, firing a booming ace to seal the bronze medal for UE.

Van Bangayan provided solid support with 21 points on 19 attacks and two aces, while team captain and libero Angge Reyes anchored the defense with 27 excellent sets and 14 excellent receptions.

Jennel Arasan added 16 excellent sets for the Lady Warriors.

For Arellano, Chu paced the Lady Chiefs with 12 points and nine excellent receptions, while team captain Kacelyn Punzalan finished with 10 points.

Crisanta Servidad chipped in eight points, while Samantha Tiratira and Princess Al-Ag contributed seven and six markers, respectively.