Volleyball: Knights overpower Blazers for V-League bronze

MANILA — Colegio de San Juan de Letran took the bronze medal in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after an impressive 25-19, 25-17, 25-18 sweep of College of Saint Benilde on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Knights turned the bronze medal showdown into a one-sided affair to complete a turnaround from last year’s campaign, wherein they finished second to the last in the standings.

“Syempre para sa akin, malaking bagay ‘yun sa’min sa Letran kasi ‘yung kumpyansa nila. Alam namin na natalo kami nung semifinals kami, pero top team ‘yun. Ibig sabihin talagang matibay ‘yung nakabalan namin,” said Letran head coach Jessie Lopez.

“Although syempre, ayaw din talaga naming matalo. Pero at least, ako proud ako sa mga players ko. Feeling ko mas tataas pa ‘yung kumpyansa namin kapag nakasali pa kami sa isang liga na magkakasama sila,” he added.

Dave Lardizabal capped his stellar tournament with a 19-point performance built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also contributing six excellent digs. Wayne Arano orchestrated Letran’s offense with 23 excellent sets.

Vince Himzon, Jasper Afgao, and Christer Ambrocio chipped in nine points apiece in the 65-minute victory, while John Santiagudo added seven markers.

Letran controlled every facet of the game, finishing with a 46-33 advantage in attacks, a 9-1 edge in blocks, and a 3-1 cushion in aces to complete a thoroughly dominant outing.

Reymark Betco was the lone bright spot for Benilde, scoring 13 points.

The Blazers settled for fourth place, but still improved on their sixth-place finish in last year’s campaign.