The Arellano Lady Chiefs remained unbeaten in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after surviving the UST Golden Tigresses in a thrilling five-set battle, 25-21, 21-25, 31-33, 25-23, 15-13, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Arellano had to rally in the deciding set after UST moved ahead, 13-11, following consecutive errors from Heart Villaflores.
The Lady Chiefs refused to let the opportunity slip, however, as Sam Tiratira, Cris Servidad, and Villaflores combined for four straight points to complete the two-hour, 29-minute comeback.
Servidad led Arellano with 25 points on 19 attacks and six blocks, including two crucial hits during the closing stretch. Villaflores added 24 points on 19 attacks, two blocks, and three aces, while Tiratira contributed six points after entering the match in the third set.
Catherine Domasig also kept the Lady Chiefs’ offense organized with 24 excellent sets.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang sa mga players ko ’pag maglalaro kami, lalo na kapag ’yung talagang magagaling na team gaya ng UST ay i-challenge nila ’yung sarili nila kasi wala namang mawawala,” said Arellano head coach Obet Javier.
“Katulad niyan, maganda ang pagkapanalo namin. Kumbaga, ’yung confidence ng bata tumataas—and yun lang naman ang habol namin,” he added.
The victory gives Arellano another confidence boost after opening its campaign with a straight-set win over reigning NCAA champions Letran Lady Knights.
The Lady Chiefs will try to extend their winning run against the Benilde Lady Blazers on August 29 at 10 a.m. at Gameville Central Park.
UST, meanwhile, dropped to 1-1 despite a strong showing from Angge Poyos, who finished with 23 points and seven digs. The Golden Tigresses will look to bounce back against Perpetual on August 30 at noon.
Perpetual Secures First Win
Later in the day, the Perpetual Help Lady Altas defeated San Beda Lady Red Lions, 25-22, 28-26, 21-25, 25-21, to even their record at 1-1.
The Lady Altas survived a late push from the Lady Red Spikers in the fourth set, with Camille Bustamante delivering the match-clinching attack after San Beda repeatedly defended Jem Menor in the closing exchanges.
Menor finished with 16 points, all from attacks, while Cyrille Almeñiana paced Perpetual with 17 points and six digs.
Collete Gaa provided 17 excellent sets, while libero Joanna Lozano anchored the defense with 19 digs and 25 excellent receptions.
“Actually, ang pinaka-adjustment ko lang is ’yung rotation ng players—naghahanap pa talaga ako ng tamang tao sa loob. Marami pa ring aayusin. Salamat at nakuha ’yung panalo, pero pakiramdam as a coach, talo pa rin kasi marami pa ring errors,” said Perpetual head coach Sandy Rieta.
The Lady Altas will look to build on the victory when they face UST on August 30 at noon.
San Beda fell to 0-2, with Janelle Bachar leading the Lady Red Spikers with 15 points and Daisy Cagas adding 11. Angel Habacon also made her season debut with seven points.
San Beda will try to end its skid against the UE Lady Warriors on August 30 at 10 a.m.
