STI Athletes Turn Grit into Greatness at the Sports Cup

By: Blessy Sibalon , June 25, 2026

The highly anticipated STI Sports Cup 2025-2026 recently wrapped up at the Eusebio H. Tanco (EHT) Gymnasium in STI College Ortigas-Cainta.

Powered by Smart Sports, the Philippine Sports Commission, Gerry’s Grill, and Buffalo's Wings N' Things, the national tournament ran from June 8–10 and June 17–19, 2026, bringing together top student-athletes from STI campuses nationwide to compete for national titles in the women’s volleyball league and men’s basketball tournament.

From impressive team plays to victories, this season showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and celebration.

Queens Over the Net

The Sports Cup kicked off with queens of the court ruling the National Volleyball League. For three straight days, the energy was non-stop, transforming the EHT Gym into a certified arena of cheers, floor-shattering spikes, and gravity-defying digs.

In a masterclass of skill and dominance, STI West Negros University successfully retained their title as the National Champion. STI College Balagtas showed immense hustle and determination, earning the 1^st Runner-Up title, while STI College Ortigas-Cainta delivered a powerhouse performance to secure 2^nd Runner-Up.

The STI National Volleyball League
National Winners

The National Winners for STI National Volleyball League SY 2025-2026 awarded by STI ESG Vice President of Corporate and Information Services John B. Tubongbanua: STI West Negros University (Champion), STI College Balagtas (1^st Runner Up), STI College Ortigas-Cainta (2^nd Runner Up)

The STI National Volleyball League
Special Winners

Awarded by John Tubongbanua, the Mythical Six (from left to right) Jonah Divine Marie B. Lejano, Kathrice C. Sakay, Lyn MJ R. Jacinto, Athea Marie A. Villasis, Lorie May D. Destora, Erich Joy B. Iballa

The STI Sports Cup 2025-2026 National Volleyball League’s MVP, Lorie May D. Destora of STI West Negros University

The STI Sports Cup 2025-2026 National Volleyball League’s MVP, Lorie May D. Destora of STI West Negros University

Recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Lorie May Destora, Open Hitter from STI West Negros University, admitted that the biggest challenge for her and her team was handling the pressure of being the defending champions.

"Being the defending champion, everyone was watching us, so we really gave everything we had," Destora recalled. "In the end, we turned that challenge into our ultimate motivation to win this fight."

Basketball Action Heats Up

The STI National Basketball Tournament took over the court next, escalating the intensity to a whole new level.

Adding to the excitement, the tournament welcomes an elite lineup of Philippine sports icons was courtside to inspire the players. The courtside bleachers were buzzing as Philippine sports legends Ting Ledesma, Walter Torres, the fiery mastermind Coach Yeng Guiao, and PBA standout Keith Datu all shared powerful words of encouragement, giving the student-athletes an extra boost of motivation.

President of the Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Ting Ledesma

Philippine Sports Commissioner, Walter Torres

Professional basketball player and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters big man, Keith Datu

PBA veteran and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters coach, Yeng Guiao

With all that energy fuelling the finals, the battle on the court came down to pure execution. Driven by strong tactical performance, STI College Balagtas emerged as the undisputed National Champion. STI West Negros University fought hard to claim the 1^st Runner-Up position, while STI College Ortigas-Cainta executed a clutch performance to lock up their spot as the 2^nd Runner-Up.

The STI National Basketball Tournament
National Winners

The National Winners of the STI National Basketball Tournament SY 2025-2026 awarded by STI ESG President and COO, Peter K. Fernandez and STI ESG VP for Academics, Karen Precious Tabije: STI College Balagtas (Champion), STI West Negros University (1st Runner-Up), STI College Ortigas-Cainta (2nd Runner-Up)

The STI National Basketball Tournament
Special Winners

Awarded by STI ESG President and COO, Mr. Peter K. Fernandez and STI ESG VP for Academics, Ms. Karen Precious Tabije, the Mythical Five (from left to right) James B. Cabangcala, Joshua A. Salcedo, Euneil R. Balneg, Lawrence Cacanog, Earl John G. Peñacuba

The STI Sports Cup 2025-2026 National Basketball Tournament’s MVP, Euneil R. Balneg of STI College Balagtas

The STI Sports Cup 2025-2026 National Basketball Tournament’s MVP, Euneil R. Balneg of STI College Balagtas

Recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Euneil R. Balneg, shooting guard and small forward, from STI College Balagtas, revealed that locking in a championship required a massive shift in mindset down the stretch.

"The turning point for me was when the score was still close, I realized we had to give more effort on every possession," Balneg shared. "From that moment, I became more aggressive, trusted my teammates, and focused on doing the little things that helped us secure the championship."

The STI Sports Cup 2025–2026 once again proved to be more than just a competition, it reflects student athlete’s discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that go beyond the game.

As the curtains close on this year’s event, the legacy of excellence and sportsmanship continues to inspire future champions to rise, compete, and carry the STI spirit forward.