San juan: University of Santo Tomas (UST) and College of Saint Benilde (CSB) will dispute the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals crown at Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan on Sunday. The Golden Tigresses and Lady Blazers meet at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, Letran and guest team Southern Storm Melbourne of Australia clash at 2 p.m. in the battle for third.
According to Philippines News Agency, veterans Regina Jurado, Angge Poyos, Marga Altea, and Avril Bron, alongside young guns Kim Rubin and Ashley Dianne Knop, will banner the Shaq Delos Santos-mentored Golden Tigresses. They defeated the NCAA reigning champion Letran College Lady Knights, 25-10, 25-19, 25-12, in the semifinals on Friday. UST's best finish in the tournament was third place in 2023. The Golden Tigresses are also looking for a fitting follow-up to their high school counterpart's title victories in the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League Rising Stars Cup and Juniors National Invitationals.
UST prevailed over CSB, 25-22, 25-15, 15-25, 25-12, in the elimination round. The Lady Blazers, led by Mary Grace Borromeo, rookie Mhonniecka Soliven, Camila Bartolome, and Fionna Inocentes, ousted the Southern Storm, 25-19, 25-23, 25-11, in the Final Four.
