Cris Servidad delivered a game-high 21 kills to lift Arellano University over previously unbeaten Adamson University, 25-23, 12-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-13, in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, September 12. The win moved the Lady Chiefs to 5-0.

Adamson, meanwhile, suffered its first loss in five matches. The five-set battle at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City marked Arellano’s third five-setter of the tournament.

Lady Chiefs Survive Late Scare To Stay Unbeaten

Arellano trailed by three points late in the decider before rallying behind Servidad’s hitting. The comeback erased a rocky showing in the second and fourth sets, where Adamson had dominated.

Lana Barrera pushed Adamson to a 12-9 lead in the fifth set. Heart Villaflores and Princess Al-ag answered with four straight points to swing the momentum back to Arellano, 13-12.

Eloi Dote’s off-speed hit tied the score one final time at 13-13, before substitute setter Carlhynne Maneja delivered the two biggest plays of the match. Her overreceive was misread for a point, then she closed out the win with a service ace.

Servidad, Chu Lead Arellano’s Balanced Attack

Servidad’s 21 kills paced Arellano’s offense throughout the match. Catherine Chu also delivered a strong all-around game, tallying 11 attacks and 19 receptions to anchor both ends of the floor.

Adamson got a strong showing from Frances Morde, who put up 23 points on three service aces and 12 receptions. The Nigerian open spiker was neutralized late in the decider.

Third Tuddao added 14 points and nine digs, while Barrera closed with 13 points and 12 receptions of her own. Both fell short of carrying Adamson through the decider.

Arellano will look to close out the eliminations against San Beda on Sept. 20 and University of the East on Sept. 26. Adamson, meanwhile, aims to rebound and lock up its own Final Four slot against UAAP rival University of Santo Tomas on Sept. 20.