Arianna Pua and Fionna Inocentes powered College of Saint Benilde to a bounce-back four-set win over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25–19, 18–25, 25–21, 25–18. The victory got the Lady Blazers into the win column after an opening-day loss to University of the East.
The match wrapped up in just one hour and 37 minutes. Benilde overcame a second-set setback before finding its rhythm for good.
![Arianna Pua's 19-point performance helped Benilde overcome Letran in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. [PVL Images]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design550.png)
Pua’s All-Around Effort Anchors Benilde’s Win
Pua finished with 19 points on 13 kills, three blocks, and three service aces. Two of her kills came at crucial moments in the fourth set, helping seal the match.
Inocentes added seven points as the second half of Benilde’s middle-blocking tandem. Both are stepping into larger roles for the Lady Blazers in the post-Zam Nolasco era.
Grace Borromeo and Mhonniecka Soliven each chipped in 10 points. Captain Zen Basilio ran the offense with 13 excellent sets, keeping the attack balanced throughout.
Benilde Rides Fourth-Set Surge Past Letran’s Rally
Benilde blew the match open in the fourth set, building a 17–8 lead. Letran clawed back late, but the Lady Blazers held on to close out the win.
Head coach Jerry Yee said the team is still finding its footing this season. “Adjustment is kaunti lang, ikot ng tao, ganon lang. Ang habol talaga namin is exposure for all na maglaro lang,” he said.
Yee added that his squad remains a work in progress. “Wala pa, hilaw pa; hindi pa kami masaya. Pero ganon talaga, kailangan naming maging patient,” he said.
Judiel Nitura made a strong season debut for Letran, scoring 18 points. Rheina Merwa added 16, but the Lady Knights fell to 0–2 on the season.
Benilde will chase a second straight win against league-leading Arellano University on Saturday at 10 a.m. Letran, meanwhile, faces Adamson University later that day at noon in search of its first win.