MANILA — Arellano University is assured of a semifinal spot in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after a sensational five-set triumph over Adamson University, Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Chiefs emerged triumphant in a battle between unbeaten squads, outlasting the Lady Falcons, 25-23, 12-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-13.
The Arellano Lady Chiefs celebrate their win over Adamson in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 12, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
This marked the third time in the tournament that they have won a five-set match, and they got it done in come-from-behind fashion.
Arellano was flat in the second and fourth sets, and trailed by three in the decider when Lana Barrera gave Adamson a 12-9 lead. But Heart Villaflores and Princess Al-ag combined for four points to give back the advantage to Arellano at 13-12.
Eloi Dote's off-speed spike forced the last deadlock of the match at 13-13, before substitute setter Carlhynne Maneja produced her only points of the contest that mattered for the Lady Chiefs.
Maneja scored after her overreceive was misread by the Lady Falcons and converted the service ace on the next rally that served as the match winner.
It was the Lady Falcons' first loss in five matches.
Cris Servidad led Arellano with 21 kills while Catherine Chu added 11 attacks and tallied 19 receptions.
Frances Morde had 23 points, including three service aces, and 12 receptions, but the Nigerian open spiker was neutralized by the Lady Chiefs late in the fifth set. Third Tuddao had 14 points and nine digs, while Barrera chipped in 13 points and 12 receptions.
Arellano's remaining preliminary round opponents are San Beda on Sept. 20 and University of the East on Sept. 26.
Adamson seeks to rebound and formalize its Final Four entry against UAAP rival University of Santo Tomas on Sept. 20.