Arellano University secured the first semifinals berth in the V-League Collegiate Challenge after toppling Adamson University, 25-23, 12-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-13, in a duel of unbeaten teams Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Chiefs survived a roller-coaster five-setter to remain perfect at 5-0, recovering from lackluster performances in the second and fourth sets before rallying from a three-point deficit late in the decider to complete their third five-set victory of the tournament.
Adamson, meanwhile, suffered its first loss in five matches but remains in strong contention for a Final Four spot.
Lana Barrera gave the Lady Falcons a 12-9 lead in the fifth set, but Heart Villaflores and Princess Al-ag combined for four points to swing the advantage back to Arellano, 13-12.
Eloi Dote’s off-speed spike forced the final deadlock at 13-all before substitute setter Carlhynne Maneja came through with the decisive plays for the Lady Chiefs.
Maneja scored when her overreceive was misread by the Lady Falcons, then followed it up with a service ace to seal the match.
Cris Servidad led Arellano with 21 kills, while Catherine Chu added 11 attacks and 19 receptions.
Frances Morde paced Adamson with 23 points, including three service aces, and 12 receptions, while Third Tuddao contributed 14 points and nine digs. Barrera chipped in 13 points and 12 receptions.
Arellano has two preliminary-round matches remaining against San Beda on Sept. 20 and University of the East on Sept. 26.
Adamson will look to bounce back against UAAP rival University of Santo Tomas on Sept. 20 as it tries to formalize its Final Four entry.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde kept its semifinals hopes alive after ending San Beda’s two-match winning streak with a 25-14, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19 victory.
The Lady Blazers improved to 2-3 and tied the Lady Red Spikers for fifth place, keeping themselves in the thick of the semifinal race.
Cam Bartolome, NCAA Season 101’s top rookie, led Benilde with 23 points on 19 kills, three blocks, and a service ace.
Fionna Inocentes and Arianna Pua added 15 and 12 points, respectively, with four blocks apiece, while Mhonniecka Soliven chipped in 11 points and 12 digs.
Janelle Bachar paced San Beda with 14 points, while Aiezel Parumog, who entered as a second-set substitute, added 12. Daisy Cagas finished with 10 points, 17 receptions, and six digs.
Isay Culanay, who produced a tournament-high 13 blocks in San Beda’s five-set win over University of the East last Wednesday, was held to eight points, including two blocks.
Benilde faces another must-win match against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA on Sept. 19, while San Beda returns to action against unbeaten Arellano on Sept. 20.
