Janessa Buhay saved her biggest serve for last. The University of the East standout fired a booming ace to seal a 25-23, 25-22, 28-26 sweep of Arellano University and secure the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge bronze medal on Wednesday, October 7, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Lady Warriors battled through a tense, hard-fought affair with the Lady Chiefs to earn a spot on the podium. They also rebounded from a semifinal setback against Adamson University that denied them a place in the championship match.

Janessa Buhay Delivers Clutch Plays to Seal Bronze for UE

Buhay took charge for UE, erupting for 27 points on 25 attacks and two aces. She also tallied 17 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 37-minute encounter.

UE found itself in a 25-26 hole in the extended third set. Buhay answered with a cross-court attack to level the score at 26-all, putting the Lady Warriors within striking distance of closing out the match.

Catherine Chu tried to restore Arellano’s lead, but her attack sailed long. Buhay then came through once again, firing a booming ace to seal the bronze medal for UE.

Van Bangayan provided solid support with 21 points on 19 attacks and two aces. Team captain and libero Angge Reyes anchored the defense with 27 excellent sets and 14 excellent receptions, while Jennel Arasan added 16 excellent sets.

For Arellano, Chu paced the Lady Chiefs with 12 points and nine excellent receptions. Team captain Kacelyn Punzalan finished with 10 points.

Crisanta Servidad chipped in eight points for the Lady Chiefs. Samantha Tiratira and Princess Al-Ag contributed seven and six markers, respectively.

Jerome Guhit Calls Bronze a Confidence Booster for UE

“Masaya kami dahil sabi nga namin, thankful kami kay V-League na binigyan kami ng opportunity na makasali,” said Lady Warriors assistant coach Jerome Guhit. “Sabi nga, kukuha kami ng experience na kailangan namin kasi ang daming bata (sa team) eh.”

Guhit also spoke about the value of the medal for a young team that lacks experience. “Malaking bagay kasi nga kulang sa experience, tapos makaka-medal ka, parang pampataas ng kumpyansa sa kanila ‘to,” he added.