Bangayan's 34-Point Explosion Keeps UE's Final Four Hopes Alive

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Van Bangayan erupted for a game-high 34 points as the University of the East edged Arellano University, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 25-15, Saturday at Gameville Central Park. The win kept UE’s Final Four hopes alive in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

Bangayan, playing her fifth and final collegiate season, came three points shy of the program record of 37, set by former teammate Casiey Dongallo three years ago. The outside hitter also added seven digs as she carried much of UE’s offense throughout the match.

Van Bangayan carried much of UE's offense against Arellano while adding seven digs in the crucial V-League victory. [PVL Images] — Van Bangayan carried much of UE’s offense against Arellano while adding seven digs in the crucial V-League victory. [PVL Images]

Bangayan and Zamudio Deliver in Clutch Fourth Set

Needing a win in three or four sets to keep its Final Four hopes intact, UE turned to its seniors when the match tightened. Bangayan and fellow senior Bea Zamudio delivered the biggest swings of the night in a decisive fourth set.

With Arellano ahead, 13-12, UE head coach Jerome Guhit called on Zamudio off the bench. The outside hitter answered immediately, ripping off back-to-back kills that shifted the momentum toward UE.

That burst gave the Lady Red Warriors enough cushion to pull away and close out the set. Incoming rookie Janessa Buhay also factored in early, finishing with 17 points before giving way to Zamudio late in the match.

Team captain Angge Reyes credited the group’s urgency in a must-win spot for the result. “Kami kasi ginanahan kami sa last push na ‘to. Kung gusto niyong mag-semis, ipanalo niyo ‘to. Yun yung nagbigay sa ‘min ng lakas ng loob,” Reyes said.

Arellano Falls As UE Eyes Final Four Push

Reyes made clear the Lady Red Warriors are not getting ahead of themselves despite their Final Four chances. She flagged areas the team must still sharpen before playoff basketball begins in earnest.

“If ever man pumasok kami, may mga bagay pa kami na dapat i-work on,” Reyes told reporters. “Siyempre sa top four teams, labanan yan. May respeto naman yan sa lahat ng teams, so kung sino na lang talaga mag-stand out then,” she added.

Arellano now heads into the semifinal stretch on a rough note, having dropped its final two preliminary-round matches. The Lady Chiefs will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make noise in the postseason.

Cris Servidad and Catherine Chu led Arellano’s offense with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Both will need more consistent scoring support from their teammates as the playoffs approach.