Colegio de San Juan de Letran reignited its semifinal hopes in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after rallying past College of Saint Benilde, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23, on Wednesday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center.

Bouncing back from a sluggish first set, the Knights leaned on Dave Lardizabal and Bembem Bautista to claim a vital win in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision. Lardizabal fired 21 points on 18 attacks and three blocks, while Bautista added 18 markers on 14 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

Knights hold firm in clutch moments

“Hindi kami tumitigil doon sa skills na pwede namin i-improve,” said Letran head coach Brian Esquibel. “Natalo ‘man kami sa past games namin, pero yung improvement, nandoon palagi. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila na huwag na huwag kayo mag-stop kasi hindi natatapos ang volleyball sa isang game lang.”

The Knights’ composure shone brightest in the fourth set. After Benilde seized a late 22-21 lead behind NCAA MVP Rocky Motol, team captain John Austero, and Mike Balbacal, a costly error by Reymark Betco gave Letran a lifeline. Lardizabal then delivered back-to-back points—a quick hit and a block on Motol—before Motol’s wide attempt sealed the match in an anti-climactic finish.

Road ahead for Letran and Benilde

Felix Bermido added 12 points and four digs, while captain Wayne Arano anchored the floor with 26 excellent sets and five points. The win lifted Letran to 2-3, tying defending UAAP champion National University for fifth place.

Despite the victory, the Knights still face a challenging road, with a crucial matchup against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, September 10.

Benilde, meanwhile, dropped to 1-4 and now sits on the brink of elimination. Motol led the Blazers with 18 points and 17 receptions, while Betco tallied 12 points in the loss. They will next face FEU on Sunday, September 7.