Arellano University overcame a costly second-set slump to prevail over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, and secure solo fourth place in the women’s division of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, September 7, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Both squads were coming off exhausting five-setters the day before, but the Lady Chiefs displayed stronger finishing kick, banking on Laika Tudlasan, Sam Tiratira, and Crisanta Servidad to complete back-to-back wins in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Lady Chiefs rise in crucial moments

Tudlasan spearheaded the charge with 19 points on 18 attacks, while Tiratira added 16 markers highlighted by four blocks. Their firepower helped Arellano climb to a 3-3 record, strengthening its Final Four bid with two playdates left in the eliminations.

Head coach Obet Javier praised his team’s resolve after they recovered from Letran’s late push. “Masaya kami dahil tinalo namin yung Letran kasi contender yan sa NCAA. Sabi ko sa players ko nasa kanila yan kung ano gusto natin mangyari sa game natin—kung gusto ba natin mag-extend season natin. Lahat ng ito, dahil sa players namin ito,” he said.

Clutch plays seal back-to-back wins

Letran rallied from five points down in the fourth set and forced a 24-all deadlock, but Arellano stayed composed. Tiratira fired a quick attack before sealing the victory with a block on Judiel Nitura, closing out the duel in one hour and 48 minutes.

Servidad finished with 13 points and 10 digs, while Heart Villaflores chipped in 10. Playmaker Catherine Domasig tallied 27 excellent sets along with five points, and libero Harem Ceballos anchored the floor with 25 receptions and 17 digs.

Arellano will resume play after a two-week break caused by the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship. The Lady Chiefs face College of Saint Benilde on October 1 at the Playtime Filoil Center in San Juan in a match with major playoff implications.

The Lady Knights, who slipped to 3-4 to close their elimination campaign, now face an anxious wait for other results to determine their semifinal fate. Nitura once again led the way with 22 points, while Vanessa Sarie produced 15 markers and 12 digs in the losing cause.