MANILA — Khim Culanay turned the net into San Beda University’s fortress, erupting for a tournament-best 13 blocks as the Lady Red Spikers survived University of the East in a gripping five-set battle, 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 25-20, 18-16, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Culanay finished with 22 points, adding eight attacks and an ace to her dominant blocking performance as San Beda overcame a 1-2 set deficit to secure its second consecutive victory and improve to a 2-2 record.
After comfortably taking the opening set, the Lady Red Spikers surrendered the next two frames as the Lady Warriors seized control of the match.
San Beda, however, regained its composure in the fourth set, leaning on its net defense to force a deciding fifth frame.
Culanay continued to impose her presence at the net in the decider, winning a joust that helped the Lady Red Spikers build a 10-6 advantage.
UE refused to fold and battled back to tie the set at 14-all following a net violation by Culanay, setting up a tense finish.
The teams exchanged points before an attack error by Havanna Macalintal and a block from Althea Garavillas finally sealed the marathon victory for San Beda.
Lady Red Spikers head coach Kungfu Reyes credited his players for making the necessary adjustments and refusing to surrender despite their struggles in the middle sets.
“Nakita naman ‘yong potential ng team at ‘yong adjustment individually na [need i-correct] para tumibay ‘yong team,” Reyes said.
“Ni-remind ko lang kung paano kami mag-ensayo, ’yon ‘yong [dapat] laruin nila … ang maganda hindi nila binitawan hanggang sa dulo. Nandoon pa ‘yong rookie errors kaya kailangan lang nila maglaro nang maglaro para yung experience mas makuha nila,” he added.
Rochelle Olaguir provided strong support for Culanay with 18 points and 11 digs, while Daisy Cagas chipped in 15 points. Angel Habacon added seven points and 15 receptions.
UE absorbed another blow in the third set when rookie setter Cheska Peñol injured her right ankle after landing on Paula Palma’s foot following an attack by Palma.
Rookies Djulianne Goze and Janessa Buhay paced the Lady Warriors with 18 points apiece, while libero Angge Reyes registered 32 digs and 26 receptions.
Meanwhile, University of Perpetual Help Lady Altas pulled off a convincing upset of University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-15, 25-18, 25-18, leaving both squads with identical 2-2 records./PN
