Dave Lardizabal made sure his old squad felt every bit of his growth Saturday, August 22, torching National University for 22 points as Colegio de San Juan de Letran erased a two-set deficit to stun the Bulldogs, 29–31, 26–24, 17–25, 25–18, 15–11.

The result gave the Knights a share of the lead in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. It also handed NU its first loss of the campaign despite entering the weekend as the heavy favorite.

Lardizabal Leads Letran’s Statement Win Over NU

The opposite hitter, a former standout at NU-Nazareth School, finished with 18 kills and four blocks. His back-to-back kills late in the decider pushed Letran’s lead to 13–11.

Vince Himzon followed with a crucial block to put the Knights at match point. Leo Ordiales tried to answer for NU, but his attack sailed into the net, sealing Letran’s turnaround.

Letran head coach Jessie Lopez, who also serves on NU’s coaching staff, called the win a major confidence boost. “Talagang malaking bagay sa ‘min ‘to na natalo namin dalawang UAAP schools. Tapos, NU, talagang mabigat ‘yan,” he said.

Lopez added that the win strengthens Letran’s push for a top-four finish. “Thankful kami na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo kasi tumaas chance naming nakapasok sa top four,” he said.

Paolo Lopez backed up Lardizabal with 14 points and seven digs. Wayne Araño ran the offense efficiently, dishing out 25 excellent sets to keep Letran’s attack humming.

Bulldogs Stumble Despite Strong Individual Efforts

NU’s Buds Buddin and Ordiales each scored 18 points to keep the Bulldogs competitive. But costly errors undid their aggressive approach, with NU finishing the match with 41 unforced errors.

Jade Disquitado had scored 14 points through the first four sets. He was forced to sit out the decider, leaving NU without a key scoring option late.

The loss leaves NU tied atop the standings with Letran at 2–1. The Bulldogs will look to regroup against Mapua University on August 30 at 3 p.m., still at Gameville Central Park.

Letran, meanwhile, is riding back-to-back wins after also topping UST last Sunday. The Knights will chase a third straight victory against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on August 29 at 3 p.m.