The UST Golden Tigresses opened their V-League 2026 Collegiate Challenge campaign with a sweep of the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, 25-15, 25-16, 25-19, Sunday, Aug. 16, at Gameville Central Park.
The matchup brought UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos against Kung Fu Reyes, who now serves as San Beda’s head coach and Golden Tigresses program director.
“Normal lang na nakakalaban si [Coach Kung Fu], but siyempre ‘yong respect ko sa kanila, hindi mawawala ‘yon. Kaya kailangan maging ready talaga kami,” Delos Santos told the Varsitarian.
The victory also marked Cassie Carballo’s debut with the Golden Tigresses after she missed their unbeaten title run in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals. She finished with nine excellent sets.
UST quickly built a 17-11 advantage in the opening set before closing it out with an 8-4 surge, capped by Em Banagua’s solo block on Khim Culanay, to take the frame, 25-15.
The Tigresses carried their momentum into the second set, racing to a 16-8 lead highlighted by Avril Bron’s block. A cross-court kill from Kim Rubin then sealed the set, 25-16.
San Beda capitalized on consecutive UST errors to take a 10-9 lead in the third, but the Tigresses answered with a 16-9 finishing run to complete the sweep, 25-19.
Banagua led UST with nine points from six attacks and three blocks, while substitute Ashlee Knop added seven points.
Daisy Cagas paced the Lady Red Spikers with 11 points.
“Magre-recover muna ‘yong team kasi the whole week nag-training talaga kami and magkakaroon muna kami ng viewing para maaral pa namin kung ano ‘yong mga kailangan namin i-improve,” Delos Santos said.
The Golden Tigresses will return to action against the Arellano University Lady Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the same venue. Jay-z V. Perez
