Arellano University is running out of challengers, and now it’s got the one that matters most. The Lady Chiefs steamrolled NCAA rival University of Perpetual Help, 25–19, 25–16, 25–18, on Saturday, September 5, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The sweep marked Arellano’s fourth straight win in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge. It also set up a heavyweight showdown with fellow unbeaten Adamson University next week.

The sweep took just an hour and 10 minutes to complete, a brisk finish that left little doubt about which team controlled the pace. Arellano’s balance did the damage, with the offense out-hitting Perpetual Help 42-26 across the match.

Villaflores, Punzalan Power Arellano’s Balanced Attack

Heart Villaflores was the headline act, ripping 16 kills to pace the Lady Chiefs’ offense. The outside hitter got steady help from winger Cris Servidad, who chipped in 11 more kills to keep Perpetual Help’s defense stretched thin all match.

Kacelyn Punzalan rounded out the attack from the middle, finishing with 14 total points built on six spikes, five blocks and three service aces. Her two-way impact at the net and from the service line gave Arellano another weapon whenever Villaflores and Servidad were slowed down.

Perpetual Help, meanwhile, had no answer in the scoring column. Cyrille Almeñiana and Jem Menor tied for the team lead with just six points apiece, and no Lady Altas hitter cracked double figures the entire match.

Head coach Obet Javier credited the win to a mentality his squad has carried all season. “Yung preparation rin kasi namin. Tini-treat namin yung every game na last game na namin o parang championship na,” the veteran mentor said.

He also pointed to the league itself for pushing his players to grow. “Thankful rin kami sa liga na to kasi nakikita namin yung pinaghihirapan ng players,” Javier added.

Unbeaten Adamson Awaits in Semifinal Race

The real test now looms. Arellano will face the undefeated Adamson University Lady Falcons (3-0) next week on September 12 at 10 a.m.

Both squads enter the match unbeaten, with a semifinal berth on the line. It’s the clearest measuring-stick game left on either team’s schedule.

A win over Adamson would all but lock up Arellano’s playoff ticket. It would also validate the championship-level intensity Javier says his team brings to every match.

The Lady Falcons, though, have shown no signs of slowing down either. That sets up the V-League Collegiate Challenge’s biggest showdown yet.

Perpetual Help, now 1-2, doesn’t get much time to regroup. The Lady Altas face the University of the East Lady Warriors (1-1) on Sunday, September 13, at noon.