Adamson University extended its unbeaten run to four games, overcoming an opening-set setback to beat De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 24–26, 25–17, 25–18, 25–23, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The defending champions moved to within one win of securing a semifinal berth, with their composure in crucial moments proving decisive, particularly in the fourth-set endgame.
Adamson squandered three match points as Benilde’s defense repeatedly denied Frances Mordi’s attempts to close out the match. But Mordi eventually connected after the Blazers forced a deuce at 24-all, before Kamille Dionisio sealed the victory with a kill block.
“Thankful sa Lord and grateful for how the girls responded sa tough times and every time, kung sino man lang ipasok sa court. And that’s all I wanted: that everyone helps the team, that everyone contributes to the team,” said head coach JP Yude.
Mordi topscored with 23 points on 20 kills, two blocks, and an ace, while Lana Barrera remained steady on both ends of the court with 16 points and eight excellent receptions.
Fhei Sagaysay and Ysabella Sapienza also provided a solid presence in orchestrating Adamson’s offense, combining for 24 excellent sets.
Adamson will try to secure its semifinal berth against fellow unbeaten side Arellano University on Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 AM.
Mhonniecka Soliven paced three Lady Blazers in double figures with 15 points, but Benilde’s 29 errors throughout the match proved costly.
The Lady Blazers will look to bounce back against San Beda University on the same day at 12 noon.
Earlier in the day, San Beda University broke into the win column by turning back archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a thrilling five-set battle, 18–25, 25–18, 25–23, 16–25, 18–16.
After letting the fourth set slip away, the Lady Red Spikers found another gear in the deciding frame, seemingly drawing energy from the appearance of head coach Kungfu Reyes, who arrived at the bench midway through the fifth set after missing most of the match.
Senior wing spiker Angel Habacon put San Beda ahead, 11–10, but Judiel Nitura answered for Letran as the two rivals traded blows down the stretch.
Daisy Cagas and Kim Culanay then combined for a 3–0 finishing run that allowed the Lady Red Spikers to finally secure the victory against their bitter rivals and reigning NCAA champions.
“Ang kailangan kasi ng mga bata is self-confidence, which is yung na-develop ngayong game na ‘to. Kasi ginagawa naman namin sa training lahat; ang dapat lang i-translate sa laro,” said coach Benjamin Mape, who took charge in Reyes’ stead.
Cagas led the Lady Red Spikers on both ends of the court with 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing seven digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Habacon added 11 points, including three straight kills that helped swing the momentum San Beda’s way in the decider, while Janelle Bachar chipped in 13 markers.
The Lady Red Spikers improved to 1–2 and will face the University of the East in their rescheduled match on Wednesday at 10:00 AM.
For Letran, Nitura, Reeza Abayon, and Rheina Merwa each finished with 15 points, but the Lady Knights struggled in reception after surrendering 10 aces.
Still winless after four games, the Lady Knights will look to keep their flickering semifinal hopes alive when they take on the University of Santo Tomas next week, September 13, at 10:00 AM.
