Letran didn’t need five sets this time. The Knights simply refused to blink.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran swept De La Salle, 25-18, 29-27, 25-23, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, September 6. The match was played at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

It was Letran’s fourth straight victory in the tournament. The Knights trailed in both the second and third sets but closed each one out when it counted.

Nimo’s Breakout Night Powers the Sweep

Jessel Nimo delivered the performance of his season. He finished with 20 points on 17 kills, two blocks, and an ace.

Nimo added two digs and six excellent receptions on top of that. His all-around game touched every phase of the match.

Dave Lardizabal stayed steady in support, scoring 11 points. Ten of those came off timely attacks.

Vince Himzon chipped in 10 more points. His scoring kept Letran’s attack balanced through the middle sets.

Head coach Jessie Lopez credited his players’ execution for the win. “Gusto kong ibigay yung credits sa mga players kasi yung instructions ng mga coaches, nakikinig (sila) at nape-perform nila. Mahirap kasi pag sa crucial na, nagbigay ka ng instructions pero hindi sumunod yung players,” he said.

La Salle Falls to .500 as Letran Eyes the Semis

The win put Letran in firm control of its playoff push. The Knights now have two chances to lock up a semifinals berth.

They’ll face winless Mapua University first, on September 13 at 3 p.m. Mapua enters that match at 0-3, and a win there would nearly seal Letran’s spot in the next round.

For La Salle, the loss stings. Ousseini led the Green Spikers with 18 points on 16 kills and two blocks.

Rui Ventura struggled to find his rhythm, held to just 10 points, all from attacks. La Salle’s offense sputtered when it needed a lift most.

The result dropped La Salle to 2-2 on the season. The Green Spikers face a struggling UST squad in a rescheduled match on Wednesday at 5 p.m.