College of Saint Benilde punched its ticket into the semifinals of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, eliminating De La Salle University in four sets, 16-25, 25-18, 25-14, 25-20 on Sunday, September 27. The result marked the Blazers’ first-ever appearance in the tournament’s playoff round.

Benilde needed a win in four sets or fewer to advance, and the squad shook off a season-long habit of dropping opening sets. Head coach Arnold Laniog’s decision to insert substitute setter Al Rabanes proved decisive down the stretch.

Rabanes Sparks Benilde’s Late Surge

Rabanes delivered in relief of starting setter and team captain Chris Villanueva, setting up Benilde’s attackers at several key moments. His impact was most visible when DLSU threatened to derail the Blazers’ semifinal hopes.

With the score tied at 13-all, Reymark Betco and JV Estrada combined to help Benilde rebuild a three-point cushion, pushing the lead to 16-13. The Blazers then traded points with the Green Spikers before pulling away late.

Mike Balbacal sealed the win with back-to-back quick middle kills, sending Benilde into the semifinals for the first time in program history. Laniog said the slow starts had become a recurring concern throughout the season.

“I kept asking myself, what’s going on that we’re not winning the first set?” Laniog said. He added that Benilde had fallen behind early and by wide margins in several matches this season.

Laniog said the team’s ability to adjust in the middle sets gave him confidence heading into the finish. “Good thing we got the second set, we got the third set,” he said, adding that he expected an all-out push in the fourth.

A Historic Berth Fueled by Bench Contributions

Laniog expressed relief and pride after securing the milestone win. “I’m happy to make it to the semis for the first time,” he said, noting that Benilde’s earlier standing had been hurt by quotient before the win against DLSU.

Rabanes finished with 12 excellent sets off the bench, along with three points and one dig. His performance allowed Benilde to maintain offensive rhythm after Villanueva was replaced.

Betco led all scorers with 20 points, while Rocky Motol contributed 15 markers for the Blazers. Balbacal added eight points off the bench, including the two match-clinching kills in the fourth set.

DLSU, meanwhile, closed the elimination round with a 2-5 record and will miss the semifinals for the first time since the league’s reinstatement. Yoyong Mendoza paced the Green Spikers early but finished with 17 points, while Arjay Magallanes added 12 in a losing effort.