ARELLANO University Lady Chiefs preserved its spotless record in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after surviving College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in a five-set battle, 19-25, 25-17, 34-32, 16-25, 15-7, on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Arellano improved to 3-0, tying Adamson University Lady Falcons, while the Lady Blazers slipped to 1-2.
The Lady Chiefs endured a marathon third set that went 34-32 before Benilde answered emphatically in the fourth. The Lady Blazers took advantage of Arellano’s errors late in the frame to force a fifth set.
Arellano coach Obet Javer credited his players for responding under pressure and reminded them that the result depended on their effort in the decider.
“Masayang-masaya kami and siyempre, top team caliber ng NCAA ang nakalaban namin kanina. Kumbaga, ‘yung effort namin the past few days, nagbunga naman,” Javer said.
Arellano held an 11-7 advantage in the fifth before putting the match away with four consecutive points. Cristana Servidad ended the contest with a shot to the corner.
Samantha Tiratira led the Lady Chiefs with 13 points, while Servidad and Catherine Chu added 12 apiece.
Benilde received strong performances from Mary Borromeo and Camila Bartolome, who scored 18 points each. Fionna Innocentes contributed 16.
In the other match, the Lady Falcons posted its third consecutive victory by sweeping reigning NCAA champion Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights, 25-17, 25-18, 25-16.
Frances Mordi powered the Lady Falcons with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces and a block. She also registered eight excellent receptions and six excellent digs. (Adrian Co)
