Arelllano University showed its championship caliber, scoring a 19-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-17 come-from-behind win over Jose Rizal University in their do-or-die stepladder semifinals match in NCAA Season 97 on Sunday.

Arellano, seeking to cop its fourth straight title, is now set to meet undefeated College of Saint Benilde in the best-of-three finals starting on Wednesday.

The Lady Chiefs didn’t have a great start, getting outplayed in the opening frame by the streaking Lady Bombers, who took a lead as big as high as 9 en route to a 25-19 win.

But Arellano roared back, opening the Set 2 on an 8-0 tear before JRU fought back to trail by just one, 17-18. With star spiker Cess Bello misfiring, Arellano leaned on to spark plug Pauline De Guzman who brought them up, 23-19.

An attack error from JRU skipper Dolly Verzosa then sent Arellano to two sets ahead, 25-20.

The Lady Chiefs saw themselves up 21-18 in the third frame before JRU ignited for a 6-0 spurt to take the set point, 24-21. Nicole Sasuman then gave them the set point, 26-25, before JRU committed a double contact violation.

Arellano never looked back since then, dominating the fourth set with an 21-12 cushion before completing the comeback win.

De Guzman sparked off the bench with a team-high 19 points built on 14 attacks, three aces, and two blocks while Trina Abay chipped in 14.

Charmina Diño also played a pivotal role, pouring in 11 points alongside 16 digs.

The win sent Arellano to its fourth straight Finals appearance and fifth overall.