The Arellano University Lady Chiefs and Chiefs both absorbed tough losses last August 23, 2025, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila, as their V-League campaigns continued to be tested in the elimination round.
The Lady Chiefs fell short of completing a clean sweep against Far Eastern University, yielding instead to the Lady Tamaraws’ reverse rally, while the Chiefs showed grit against the defending champion FEU Tamaraws before ultimately bowing in four sets.
Despite the setbacks, several standouts from the Legarda-based squads remain among the statistical leaders of the league, proving that individual brilliance continues to shine through even in defeat.
Lady Chiefs Miss Sweep, Eyes on Benilde
The Lady Chiefs hold a 1-1 card after two outings, showing flashes of dominance but faltering in crunch time. In their latest assignment, the Legarda-based squad nearly pulled off a reverse sweep against Far Eastern University but fell short, 23-25, 24-26, 25-9, 25-22, 15-12. Laika Tudlasan exploded for 22 points, all coming from attacks, but it was not enough to stop the Lady Tamaraws’ late surge.
Despite the setback, the Lady Chiefs have proven capable across all fronts. Tudlasan has been a scoring machine, ranking No. 8 among the league’s best spikers with 28 kills at an impressive 52.94 percent efficiency, while Samantha Tiratira has anchored the net defense with five blocks, averaging 0.50 per set.
Aside from their offensive firepower, the Lady Chiefs have also displayed defensive strength. Libero Harem Ceballos has been reliable in the back row with 22 excellent digs at 2.20 per set, while Khey Aleck Pablo has placed seventh in reception with 32 excellent takes at 35.53 percent efficiency.
Running the team’s offense, Catherine Domasig has tallied 38 excellent sets for an average of 3.80 per frame, making her the No. 5 best setter so far this season.
The Lady Chiefs will try to bounce back when they collide with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Saturday, August 30, at 3 p.m.
Chiefs Search for Breakthrough Win
Meanwhile, the Arellano Chiefs (0-4) are still hunting for their first victory but have shown resilience against powerhouse opponents.
In their latest outing, the Chiefs stood toe-to-toe with defending champions Far Eastern University before bowing out, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20.
Skipper Jiwen Sinuto led the charge with 19 points, while AC Guinto and Patrick Osabel chipped in 10 markers apiece in a spirited performance that kept Arellano within striking distance for most of the match.
On the statistical board, setter Laurence Salvo has quietly been a steady playmaker, dishing out 57 running sets at an average of 3.80 per set to secure the No. 5 spot among the league’s best setters.
Outside hitter Arman Guinto has also made his mark, leading the team in first-ball efficiency with 58 excellent receptions at a 44.35 percent clip.
The Chiefs will look to finally break through as they battle fellow winless squad Benilde (0-3) on Saturday, August 30, at 3 p.m.
With both Arellano squads showing flashes of brilliance, the Legarda-based faithful remain hopeful that the Lady Chiefs can stay within striking distance of the top contenders, while the Chiefs aim to turn their grit into a long-awaited first win of the season.
- Carlo Arsula