UST completes perfect run, captures first SCNI crown at Benilde's expense

UAAP University of Santo Tomas completed an unbeaten campaign in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals, defeating College of Saint Benilde, 22-25, 25-8, 25-12, 25-22, in the winner-take-all finals on Sunday at the FilOil Centre.

After surrendering the opening set, the Golden Tigresses responded with dominant performances in the next two frames before holding off a late Lady Blazers rally in the fourth to secure the program's first SCNI championship.

The title capped a flawless 7-0 tournament run for UST, improving on its third-place finish in last year's inaugural edition.

Regina Jurado and tournament Most Valuable Player Angge Poyos led the Golden Tigresses. Jurado finished with 21 points built on 18 attacks and two service aces, while Poyos added 20 points on 16 kills, two aces, and two blocks.

UST also controlled the net with 14 kill blocks. Rookie Kim Rubin contributed 12 points, while Blessing Unekwe anchored the defense with seven blocks to go along with 10 points.

Benilde threatened to force a fifth set after trimming the deficit to 22-20 in the fourth following a Rubin attack error. UST, however, answered with a decisive 3-1 closing run to wrap up the championship in one hour and 55 minutes.

Head coach Shaq Delos Santos credited his team's ability to quickly recover after a sluggish opening set.

"Sinabi ko sa kanila na kalimutan na lang muna nila 'yung nangyari sa first set. Kilala ko naman sila maglaro. Alam naman namin kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin basta doon lang sila mag-focus sa investment namin," Delos Santos said. "May in-adjust lang kami ng kaunti sa team so at least kahit papaano 'yung sistema naa-adapt na. Good start ito."

Despite the title, Delos Santos stressed that the Golden Tigresses still have plenty to improve before the upcoming UAAP season.

"Sobrang happy kasi alam naman namin na ang preparation namin medyo ang layo pa. Marami pa kaming kailangang trabahuhin. Good sign ito na nakakuha kami agad ng championship. Ito ang paghuhugutan namin to work hard pa lalo na pagdating ng UAAP."

UST entered the finals after sweeping the elimination round and dispatching Letran in the semifinals.

Camila Bartolome paced Saint Benilde with 16 points, while Mary Grace Borromeo added 12.

Earlier, Letran claimed the bronze medal after defeating Australian guest team Southern Storm Melbourne, 25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23.

Reigning NCAA MVP Judiel Nitura scored 19 points—all on attacks—and added two digs, including the match-clinching crosscourt kill in the fourth set.

Reeza Abayon chipped in 12 points, Carly Nathalie Tizon had seven, and setter Hizki Flores orchestrated the offense with 11 excellent sets.

"It wasn't an easy game for us, of course. But we knew the opponent was a tough one for us because they have tall players and they're motivated to go home with a bronze medal," said Letran head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki.

"But I think this game is our best game in the whole tournament. We showed who we are."

Playing without injured veterans Gia Maquillang and Vanessa Sarie, the Lady Knights withstood a late Southern Storm rally before Nitura sealed the victory.

"Thankful pa rin kasi kahit papaano nalagpasan namin iyong kung ano meron sa team and siyempre more on work pa kasi medyo mga bata pa iyong mga kasama ko," Nitura said.

"And thankful din kami sa mga coaches na nag-guide sa amin kasi kung wala sila hindi rin talaga kami magwo-work as a team."

Cleo Anastasias and Steph Baker scored 13 points apiece for Southern Storm, which ended the tournament without a win in its final four matches.

Flores was named Best Setter, joining Enderun's Althea Botor (Best Outside Hitter), Ho Chi Minh City VC's Le Thi Diem Phuong (Best Opposite), Benilde's Fiona Inocentes (Best Middle Blocker), and Southern Storm's Milla Smith (Best Libero) in the tournament's Mythical Team.