College of Saint Benilde pulled off a stunning reverse sweep over Arellano University, 21-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-4, to clinch the bronze medal in the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Monday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

Determined to bounce back after falling to the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the semifinals — a loss that ended their title hopes — the Lady Blazers showed nerves of steel in the last three sets. Behind the steady play of Zam Nolasco and Fiona Inocentes, Benilde clawed its way back and reclaimed a podium finish in the Sports Vision–organized tournament, improving from its fourth-place finish in 2024.

Nolasco led the charge with 18 points built on 12 attacks and six blocks, while Inocentes provided 15 points off 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace to steer the Lady Blazers.

Benilde storms back after slow start

Riding on momentum from back-to-back set wins that forced a decider, Benilde stormed to an early 8-1 lead in the fifth frame, highlighted by three Camila Bartolome attacks and two Arellano errors. That blistering start proved too much for the Lady Chiefs to recover from.

The lead ballooned to double digits, 13-4, after a Rhea Densing kill and a Nolasco block pushed Benilde within striking distance of victory. Then, it was unlikely hero Arianna Pua who delivered the final blow, scoring her only two points of the match on consecutive attacks to seal the comeback in one hour and 53 minutes.

“Masayang masaya ako kasi they showed resiliency at sa sarili namin, talagang mahirap kalaban ang ganitong sitwasyon pero somehow, na-overcome namin ‘yon for this bronze medal,” said Lady Blazers head coach Jerry Yee.

Resilient showing delivers podium finish

Densing chipped in 12 points on 11 attacks, while Bartolome provided solid support with nine. Shahanna Lleses also shone in an all-around role, finishing with eight points alongside 13 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.

Meanwhile, Arellano had to settle for fourth place in its first-ever V-League appearance. Laika Tudlasan carried the scoring load with 26 points on 23 attacks and three aces, while Samantha Tiratira, Marianne Padillon, Fhaye Mangubat, and Heart Villaflores contributed six points apiece in the loss.