Adamson University stormed past Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, to open their UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball campaign with authority on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With a two-set lead already in hand, the Lady Falcons left no room for doubt in the third set, launching an 8-0 run behind Fhei Sagaysay’s consistent serving and the attacking prowess of Frances Mordi.
Shaina Nitura then took over, powering Adamson to a commanding 16-1 lead by the second technical timeout, effectively putting the match out of reach.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“‘Yung instruction is to continue, keep going lang talaga. Kumbaga, it’s not a safe lead pa rin kasi ‘di pa natatapos ‘yung game. So stick to the system, stick pa rin sa instructions so ayun nga keep going,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude after the 79-minute rout.
Adamson displayed dominance across all facets of the game, outmatching Ateneo in spikes (39-18), blocks (12-2), and service aces (7-3). Even their 24 errors did little to slow down the Lady Falcons’ momentum.
Season 87 Rookie of the Year Nitura led the team with 16 points, while Nigerian wing spiker Mordi contributed 14 in the win.
“Gumaan po siya for us, collective effort na for us. Kapag off man ako, meron na siguradong sasalo sa akin,” said the history-maker Nitura on the Lady Falcons’ retooled roster.
Fhei Sagaysay added 13 excellent sets and a match-best three service aces, while rookies Abby Segui and Eloi Dote chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.
Adamson now faces its first major test when defending champion National University visits on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Ateneo, Alex Montoro led the Blue Eagles with five points, as head coach Sergio Veloso struggled to find the right player combinations on the court.
The Blue Eagles will aim to bounce back next Sunday against University of the Philippines at the same Pasay venue.
