Cagas, Habacon Power San Beda Past Rival Letran in Thriller

0Shares

San Beda finally has a win to show for its fight. The Lady Red Spikers needed all five sets to get it, but the victory over archrival Letran was worth the wait.

The Lady Red Spikers topped Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 18-16, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, September 6, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The win snapped San Beda’s winless start to the tournament. It also came against the reigning NCAA champions, making the result even sweeter for the Mendiola-based squad.

San Beda celebrates a breakthrough victory that snapped its winless start in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. [PVL Images]

Cagas Leads the Charge on Both Ends

Daisy Cagas was the engine behind San Beda’s win. She finished with 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace.

Cagas didn’t stop at scoring, either. She added seven digs and 12 excellent receptions, anchoring the Lady Red Spikers’ defense throughout the five-set battle.

Angel Habacon provided the spark San Beda needed in the decider. She scored 11 points, including three straight kills that tilted momentum in San Beda’s favor during the fifth set.

Janelle Bachar rounded out the offensive effort with 13 points. Her contributions helped San Beda withstand a tense back-and-forth finish against the Lady Knights.

Cagas and Kim Culanay ultimately sealed the win with a 3-0 finishing run. That closing burst was enough to hold off Letran’s late push.

Daisy Cagas anchors San Beda's offense and defense during the Lady Red Spikers' five-set victory over Letran. [PVL Images] — Daisy Cagas anchors San Beda’s offense and defense during the Lady Red Spikers’ five-set victory over Letran. [PVL Images]

A Costly Reception Meltdown for Letran

Letran had its chances but couldn’t cash in. Judiel Nitura, Reeza Abayon, and Rheina Merwa each finished with 15 points for the Lady Knights.

The issue wasn’t scoring — it was defense. Letran surrendered 10 aces and struggled with reception throughout the match.

That breakdown proved costly in a contest decided by the slimmest of margins. Letran remains winless after four games, leaving its semifinals hopes hanging by a thread.

The Lady Knights will look to turn things around against the University of Santo Tomas next week, on September 13 at 10 a.m. San Beda, meanwhile, improved to 1-2 and faces the University of the East in a rescheduled match on Wednesday at 10 a.m.