Adamson University completed a perfect preliminary round campaign in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, dominating Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-22, 25-17, 25-11, on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Lady Falcons soared to a spotless 7-0 record, dropping only three sets in the elimination phase.
Their semifinal entry is built on strong outings from Alas Pilipinas young gun Shaina Nitura, rookie Abby Segui, and Nigerian reinforcement Frances Mordi, who have become key figures in the team’s impressive run.
Nitura once again showcased her all-around brilliance with 24 points on 21 attacks, nine digs, and nine receptions. Mordi backed her up with 14 points and steady defense, while Segui added eight markers.
“Yung teamwork talaga yung naging difference — on how they play as one. May mga lapses pa rin during the situation na may pressure and tough times, pero lagi ko rine-remind na always need mag-respond in every situation kasi the more na nandoon tayo sa tough times, the more that we’ll stick together,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
After a tight opening set, the Lady Falcons broke away with a 9-2 run in the second frame, anchored by MG Del Moral, Mordi, Nitura, and Segui, to take a commanding 2-0 lead. They then raced to a 16-5 cushion in the third before closing out the match in just 82 minutes.
Setter Fhei Sagaysay tallied 22 excellent sets and five points, Lhouriz Tuddao chipped in seven. Meanwhile, libero Juris Manuel anchored the defense with nine digs and nine receptions.
Ateneo, playing less than 24 hours after a grueling five-setter against Letran, officially bowed out of semifinal contention with a 1-5 card.
Only Zey Pacia breached double figures with 10 points, as the Blue Eagles now shift focus to their final match against FEU on Wednesday, September 10.
(C) V-League
Earlier in the day, Arellano University bolstered its semifinal bid after outlasting Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four sets, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24.
The Lady Chiefs leaned on Laika Tudlasan (19 points), Sam Tiratira (16 points, including the game-clinching block), and Crisanta Servidad (13 points, 10 digs) to seize solo fourth place with a 3-3 record.
“Masaya kami dahil tinalo namin yung Letran kasi contender yan sa NCAA ‘eh. Sabi ko sa players ko nasa kanila yan kung ano gusto natin mangyari sa game natin — kung gusto ba natin mag-extend season natin. Lahat ng ito, dahil sa players namin ito,” said Arellano coach Obet Javier.
Setter Catherine Domasig dished out 27 excellent sets, while libero Harem Ceballos manned the floor with 25 receptions and 17 digs.
Letran, despite another explosive performance from Judiel Nitura (22 points) and strong support from Vanessa Sarie (15 points, 12 digs), slipped to 3-4 to end its elimination campaign.
Its semifinal hopes now rest on the outcomes of other matches.
