Arellano University overcame an error-plagued second set to defeat Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, and secure solo fourth place in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday morning at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Both squads entered the match fresh off grueling five-set wins the previous day, but the Lady Chiefs showed greater resolve, leaning on the trio of Laika Tudlasan, Sam Tiratira, and Crisanta Servidad to notch back-to-back victories in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Tudlasan fired 19 points built on 18 attacks, while Tiratira contributed 16 points on 12 kills and four blocks. Their efforts helped Arellano improve to a 3-3 record, keeping the race for the semifinals wide open heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.
“Masaya kami dahil tinalo namin yung Letran kasi contender yan sa NCAA ‘eh. Sabi ko sa players ko nasa kanila yan kung ano gusto natin mangyari sa game natin -- kung gusto ba natin mag-extend season natin. Lahat ng ito, dahil sa players namin ito,” Lady Chiefs head coach Obet Javier said.
Letran clawed back from an early five-point hole in the fourth set and forced a deadlock at 20-all, but Arellano’s composure in the clutch proved decisive. A Fhaye Mangubat quick attack, a Tiratira tip, a Joralyn Panangin attack error, and a Tudlasan off-the-block hit gave the Lady Chiefs match point at 24-20.
The Lady Knights refused to fold, pushing the frame into extended play at 24-all. But Tiratira stepped up once more, delivering a quick hit before sealing the victory with a game-winning rejection on Judiel Nitura after one hour and 48 minutes of action.
Earlier in the third set, with the score tied at 16-all, Arellano unleashed a pivotal 6-2 run highlighted by back-to-back attacks from Servidad and Tudlasan to build a 22-18 cushion, which they converted into a 2-1 set lead.
Servidad finished with 13 points and 10 excellent digs, while Heart Villaflores added 10 points in support.
Playmaker Catherine Domasig kept the offense humming with 27 excellent sets on top of five points, while libero Harem Ceballos anchored the floor defense with 25 excellent receptions and 17 digs.
After a two-week layoff due to the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, Arellano will face College of Saint Benilde in a pivotal match with major playoff implications on Wednesday, October 1, at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan.
Meanwhile, Letran wrapped up its elimination campaign with a shaky 3-4 record, leaving its semifinal hopes hinging on the results of the remaining matches.
Fresh off a 25-point explosion the day before, Nitura once again led the Lady Knights with 22 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Vanessa Sarie chipped in 15 points on 13 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 12 excellent digs, in the losing effort.
