Arellano University kept its semifinal hopes alive in the women’s division of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in a five-set thriller, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 15-9, on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Lady Chiefs bounced back to improve to a 2-3 win-loss record, just behind the Letran Lady Knights (3-3). The two squads are set for a crucial clash the following day at 10 a.m.
Arellano leaned on outside hitters Laika Tudlasan and Heart Villaflores, who came through in the decisive set to seal the victory after two hours and four minutes, reigniting the team’s drive to secure a spot in the final four.
"Ang nakita ko lang do'n is 'yung willingness ng mga batang manalo. Hindi sila nag-dalawang-isip do'n sa kakayahan nila. 'Yon din naman 'yung lagi naming sinasabi: na 'yung coaches nga malaki ang tiwala sa inyo, so dapat mas mataas 'yung tiwala niyo sa isa't isa," said long-time head coach Obet Javier.
After dropping the opening set, Arellano regrouped and took the next two frames to grab a 2-1 lead, with Villaflores providing instant offense off the bench. She delivered 21 points—20 from attacks—in the four sets she played, starting from the second.
Tudlasan, meanwhile, was the steadying presence throughout, erupting for 27 points built on 26 spikes. Setter Catherine Domasig also anchored the offense with 23 excellent sets, while chipping in nine points of her own.
Perpetual, despite the loss, held on to the fourth spot with a 2-4 record and eight points—still ahead of both Arellano and Letran.
Jernalyn Menor spearheaded the Lady Altas with 20 points, while Camille Bustamante kept them in the fight in the deciding set before finishing with 19 markers.
The Las Piñas-based squad will return to action on October 1 at noon against Far Eastern University (4-1), following the competition’s break to give way to the hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
