MANILA – Janessa Buhay unleashed a 27-point performance and delivered the decisive blows in a thrilling third-set finish as the University of the East Lady Warriors swept the Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26, to capture the bronze medal in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Buhay spearheaded UE’s podium-clinching victory with 25 attacks and two service aces, while contributing 17 excellent receptions in the tightly contested one-hour, 37-minute encounter.
The Lady Warriors overcame Arellano’s stubborn resistance in all three sets to salvage a podium finish after their championship aspirations were dashed by Adamson University in the semifinals.
With UE trailing 25-26 in the extended third set, Buhay delivered a crucial cross-court attack to force a 26-all deadlock and keep the Lady Warriors within striking distance of victory.
Arellano’s Catherine Chu then committed a costly attacking error, sending her attempt long and handing UE match point.
Buhay wasted no time finishing the job, unleashing a powerful service ace that sealed the straight-set triumph and secured the bronze medal for the Lady Warriors.
Van Bangayan reinforced UE’s offensive firepower with 21 points built 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 also contributed 16 excellent sets as the Lady Warriors completed their campaign with a morale-boosting victory.
UE assistant coach Jerome Guhit welcomed the bronze-medal finish as a significant achievement for his relatively young squad, emphasizing the importance of gaining valuable competitive experience.
“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.”
For Arellano, Chu led the Lady Chiefs with 12 points and nine excellent receptions, while team captain Kacelyn Punzalan chipped in 10 markers.
Despite falling short of a championship berth, UE ended its V-League campaign with a bronze medal that could provide a valuable confidence boost for its developing roster ahead of future collegiate competitions./PN
