Khim Culanay delivered the finest game of her college career. She erupted for a tournament-high 13 blocks and 22 points.

San Beda outlasted UE in a five-set thriller on Wednesday, September 9. The Lady Red Spikers won 25-17, 21-25, 21-25, 20-18 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The win marked San Beda’s second straight in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge. It pulled the Lady Red Spikers back to .500 at 2-2.

The Lady Red Spikers had dropped their first two matches of the tournament. They have now won back-to-back games to even their record.

Culanay is a former NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Fiesta 1st Best Middle Blocker. She hails from San Beda’s Taytay high school program.

She also tallied eight attacks and an ace on the night. Her all-around game anchored San Beda’s middle attack.

San Beda grabbed the opening set with a strong start. UE answered fast, seizing the next two frames to flip the momentum.

The Lady Red Spikers steadied themselves in the fourth set. Timely blocks from Culanay helped force a decider.

Culanay’s Blocking Barrage Fuels Fifth-Set Escape

The decider stayed close in its early stages. San Beda pulled away midway through on a Culanay joust that made it 10-6.

UE clawed right back into the fight. A Culanay net fault knotted the score at 14-all.

The stretch run turned into a seesaw battle. A Havanna Macalintal attack error, then an Althea Garavillas block, sealed it for San Beda.

Head coach Kungfu Reyes praised his squad’s growth afterward. He pointed to the team’s potential and the adjustments still needed.

“I just reminded them how we practice, and that’s what they needed to bring onto the court,” Reyes said, translated from Filipino. He added that his players stayed the course until the end.

Rookie mistakes still crept in, Reyes noted. He said the team simply needs more reps to gain experience.

Supporting Cast Steps Up as UE Suffers Injury Scare

Culanay did not carry the offense alone. Rochelle Olaguir backed her up with 18 points and 11 digs.

Daisy Cagas added 15 points for San Beda. Angel Habacon chipped in 15 receptions and seven points.

UE got strong showings from its rookies. Djulianne Goze and Janessa Buhay each finished with 18 points.

Libero Angge Reyes was a defensive workhorse all night. She piled up 32 digs and 26 receptions.

The Lady Warriors absorbed a costly blow in the third set. Rookie setter Cheska Peñol went down with a right ankle injury.

She landed awkwardly on Paula Palma’s foot. It happened following Palma’s attack attempt.

San Beda returns to action Saturday, Sept. 12, at noon. The Lady Red Spikers face the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers.

UE looks to bounce back Sunday, Sept. 13. The Lady Warriors take on the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at the same venue.