Arellano University staged a dramatic comeback, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat Mapua University, 20-25, 15-25, 26-24, 25-23, 15-13, in the women’s division of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, August 9, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The win reaffirmed the Lady Chiefs’ dominance over the Lady Cardinals, having denied them a bronze medal in the last NCAA season with another five-set win just two months ago.

Tiratira, Tudlasan lead comeback

Team captain and middle blocker Sam Tiratira anchored Arellano’s net defense, scoring 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks. She got ample support from Cris Servidad, who erupted for 19 points on 18 spikes and one block.

The momentum shift came when open hitter Laika Tudlasan entered off the bench, sparking Arellano’s charge in the last three sets. Tudlasan scored three of her six points in the deciding frame, including crucial kills that tied the set at 12-all and 13-all. Tiratira then delivered a key block on Alex Leabres before Jasmine Gelaga’s well-placed attack sealed the win after two hours and 25 minutes of play.

Early dominance by Mapua

Mapua took the first set with captain Ong and Raissa Ricablanca leading the charge. In the second, service aces from Angellick Gavica and Leabres disrupted Arellano’s reception, while Ricablanca’s steady first-ball work kept the Lady Cardinals in control. They cruised to a 2-0 lead after forcing the Lady Chiefs into rushed attacks and unforced errors.

Arellano regrouped after a pep talk from coach Obet Javier, who reminded his squad to fight until the final whistle. In the third set, Mapua led 22-16 before Arellano erased the deficit with a late rally. Tudlasan’s back-to-back kills forced deuce at 24-all, Heart Villaflores put them ahead, and Tiratira’s monster block secured the set.

In the fourth, the trio of Tudlasan, Servidad, and Tiratira pushed Arellano to a comfortable lead. Mapua closed the gap to 19-22, but Tudlasan’s back-row kill clinched the set.

The deciding set saw Mapua briefly lead 12-11, only for Tudlasan to respond with two key kills. Tiratira’s timely block and Gelaga’s match-winning spike completed the comeback.

Ricablanca led all scorers with 21 points, 18 from attacks, while Ong tallied 17 points and three blocks for Mapua.

Arellano will next face Far Eastern University on August 23 at 5 p.m. at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center. Mapua returns to action on Sunday against FEU at 10 a.m., also at the Paco Arena.