MANILA — University of Santo Tomas shrugged off an opening-set setback and unleashed a dominant all-around performance to complete an unbeaten championship run, defeating College of Saint Benilde, 22-25, 25-8, 25-12, 25-22, and capturing the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate National Invitationals title on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.
The Golden Tigresses dropped the first set before overwhelming the Lady Blazers in the next two frames with stifling defense and balanced offense, then weathered a late Benilde rally in the fourth set to finish the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.
Regina Jurado spearheaded UST’s title-clinching victory with 21 points built on 18 attacks and two service aces, while tournament Most Valuable Player Angge Poyos delivered 20 points on 16 attacks, two aces and two blocks.
UST also controlled the net, finishing with 14 kill blocks as it repeatedly frustrated Benilde’s attackers throughout the match.
The Lady Blazers threatened to force a deciding fifth set after cutting a 22-19 deficit to 22-20 in the fourth, but the Golden Tigresses responded with three of the final four points to wrap up the championship in one hour and 55 minutes.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na kalimutan na lang muna nila ‘yung nangyari sa first set. Kilala ko naman sila maglaro. Alam naman namin kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin basta dun lang sila mag-focus sa investment namin. May in-adjust lang kami ng kaunti sa team so at least kahit papaano yung sistema naa-adapt na. Good start ito,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“Sobrang happy kasi alam naman namin na ang preparation namin medyo ang layo pa. Marami pa kaming kailangang trabahuhin. Good sign ito na nakakuha kami agad ng championship. Ito ang paghuhugutan namin to work hard pa lalo na pagdating ng UAAP,” he added.
Rookie Kimberly Rubin contributed 12 points, while Blessing Unekwe added 10 markers, highlighted by seven kill blocks, as UST showcased its depth in the championship match.
The Golden Tigresses completed a flawless campaign after sweeping the elimination round, eliminating Letran in the semifinals, and capping their run with a championship victory over Benilde.
Camila Bartolome paced the Lady Blazers with 16 points, while Mary Grace Borromeo chipped in 12 in the losing effort./PN
