Ateneo de Manila University scored a breakthrough in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting Arellano University in four sets, 25-13, 9-25, 25-21, 25-20, on Wednesday, September 3,  morning at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center.

The Blue Eagles, who previously stumbled against NCAA contenders College of Saint Benilde, Mapua University, and Perpetual Help, finally found their rhythm against the Lady Chiefs to avoid falling to the brink of elimination in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Pacia powers Ateneo past Arellano

Zey Pacia delivered a standout all-around performance with 23 points on 22 attacks and one ace, while also tallying five excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Her efforts lifted Ateneo to a 1-3 record, tying Arellano, which dropped its third straight match.

“In the collegiate level, hard work is not enough. You need to play smart all the time,” Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso said. “Sometimes we lost nine points because our service and attacks were good, but the players showed today that they can bounce back. They need to know how to play in different situations, and today, most of them played smart.”

Closing strong in the fourth set

In the decisive fourth frame, Ateneo pulled away with three straight attacks from Ysa Nisperos and capitalized on three costly errors by Arellano for an 18-13 lead. A swipe from sophomore middle blocker Jihan Chuatico, an attack error by Crisanta Servidad, and a down-the-line hit from Pacia sealed the win and snapped Ateneo’s skid.

The Blue Eagles also showed grit in the third set, overturning a 6-11 deficit with a 12-6 rally highlighted by a Nisperos kill, an Arellano miscue, and two crucial points from Pacia to secure a 2-1 advantage.

Balanced support for Ateneo

Behind Pacia, Alex Montoro provided 10 points and seven excellent digs, while Nisperos added nine points. Robi Silla chipped in eight markers, including four service aces, and Chuatico contributed five points.

For Arellano, Marianne Padillon and Servidad each scored 12 points, while Fhaye Mangubat added nine in a losing effort.

What’s next

Ateneo looks to sustain its momentum when it faces Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Saturday, September 6, still at the Paco Arena. Arellano, meanwhile, will attempt to recover against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on the same date and venue.