San Beda's Angel Habacon in action against Arellano in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 20, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — San Beda University kept its semifinals hopes alive in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after completing a four-set win over Arellano University, 25-20, 25-11, 20-25, 25-23, on Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Red Spikers evened their record to 3-3 after denying the Lady Chiefs' attempt to send the match to a decider.
Head coach Benjamin Mape credited the team's growing confidence following its first win over rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran, which carried over into the crucial victory against the semifinals-bound Arellano side.
"Importante kasi dito is yung communication and yung self-confidence, which is na-develop naman. At saka yung problem solving: every situation kasi we solve the problem within," said Mape, who once again took the reins from head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Senior wing spiker Angel Habacon paced San Beda with 21 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and two service aces. The seasoned spiker nearly posted a triple-double, adding 10 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Janelle Bachar started the game on fire and finished with 19 points to backstop Habacon, while setter Jan Rose Bulak was solid at the service line, drilling seven aces to go with 12 excellent sets.
San Beda will try to secure a semifinals berth when it faces Adamson University next Sunday, September 27, at 12 p.m.
On the other hand, Cris Servidad led the Lady Chiefs with 16 points, while Heart Villaflores and Catherine Chu added 11 markers apiece.
Arellano suffered its first loss of the tournament to fall to 5-1 and will look to bounce back against the University of the East on Saturday at 10 a.m.