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 on Saturday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Recovering from a lackluster showing in the second and fourth sets and staring at a three-point deficit late in the decider, the Lady Chiefs showed resiliency in winning a third five-setter in the tournament and improved to a perfect 5-0 record.

It was the Lady Falcons’ first loss in five matches.

Lana Barrera gave Adamson a 12-9 lead when Heart Villaflores and Princess Al-ag combined for four points to give back the advantage to Arellano at 13-12.

Eloi Dote’s off-speed spike forced the last deadlock of the match at 13-13, before substitute setter Carlhynne Maneja produced her only points of the contest that mattered for the Lady Chiefs.

Maneja scored after her over-receive was misread by the Lady Falcons and converted the service ace on the next rally that served as the match winner.

Cris Servidad led Arellano with 21 kills while Catherine Chu added 11 attacks and tallied 19 receptions.

Frances Morde had 23 points, including three service aces, and 12 receptions, but the Nigerian open spiker was neutralized by the Lady Chiefs late in the fifth set. Third Tuddao had 14 points and nine digs, while Barrera chipped in 13 points and 12 receptions.

Arellano’s remaining preliminary round opponents are San Beda on 20 September and University of the East on 26 September.

Adamson seeks to rebound and formalize its Final Four entry against University Athletic Association of the Philippines rival University of Santo Tomas on 20 September.