Colegio de San Juan de Letran climbed from near the bottom of last year’s field to the podium. The Knights swept College of Saint Benilde, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, to claim the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge bronze medal on Wednesday, October 7, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The bronze-medal showdown turned into a one-sided affair as Letran came out firing and never looked back. The result capped a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished second to last in last year’s tournament.

Letran Coach Jessie Lopez Proud of Knights’ Growing Confidence

“Syempre para sa akin, malaking bagay ‘yun sa’min sa Letran kasi ‘yung kumpyansa nila. Alam namin na natalo kami nung semifinals kami, pero top team ‘yun. Ibig sabihin talagang matibay ‘yung nakabalan namin,” said Letran head coach Jessie Lopez.

“Although syempre, ayaw din talaga naming matalo. Pero at least, ako proud ako sa mga players ko. Feeling ko mas tataas pa ‘yung kumpyansa namin kapag nakasali pa kami sa isang liga na magkakasama sila,” he added.

Dave Lardizabal and Wayne Arano Lead Letran Past Benilde

Dave Lardizabal capped his stellar tournament with a 19-point performance, built on 14 attacks and five blocks. He also contributed six excellent digs, while Wayne Arano orchestrated Letran’s offense with 23 excellent sets.

Vince Himzon, Jasper Afgao and Christer Ambrocio chipped in nine points apiece in the 65-minute victory. John Santiagudo added seven markers for the Knights.

Letran controlled every facet of the match, finishing with a 46-33 advantage in attacks, a 9-1 edge in blocks and a 3-1 cushion in aces. It was a thoroughly dominant outing from start to finish.

Reymark Betco was the lone bright spot for Benilde, scoring 13 points. The Blazers settled for fourth place, but they still improved on their sixth-place finish in last year’s campaign.