Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas secured the final two semifinal berths in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after posting contrasting victories over San Beda University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively, on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Falcons showed why they are the top seed, dominating the Lady Red Spikers, 26–24, 25–19, 25–19, to finish the eliminations with a 6–1 record.
UST, meanwhile, completed the Final Four cast with a clinical 25–23, 25–16, 25–16 sweep of Benilde, overcoming a late scare in the opening set before taking control in the next two frames.
Adamson had to withstand a tight opening set against San Beda, though. The defending champions narrowly escaped before taking command in the succeeding sets despite the Lady Red Spikers’ attempts to fight back.
Mordi led the Lady Falcons with a match-high 17 points on 15 kills, one block, and one service ace, while also tallying seven excellent receptions. Joy Aseo added 13 points and nine excellent receptions, while Lhouriz Tuddao contributed nine markers and seven digs.
With Adamson already assured of the top seed, assistant coach Wayne Marco stressed the importance of continuing to adjust as the team enters the semifinals. Marco took over the head coaching duties with JP Yude traveling from Ateneo to guide its high school team in the UAAP.
“How to adjust pa rin every game; aral pa rin kung sino ‘yung makakalaban. And papaano kami mag-re-respond sa game,” said Marco.
The Lady Falcons are now focused on maintaining their composure as they pursue back-to-back titles.
“Gusto naming ma-overcome nila ‘yung pag-commit ng error after an error. And yung mentality, kasi minsan sumosobra naman yung kumpiyansa, nagla-lie low. Gusto namin ma-keep yung pacing namin hanggang matapos ‘yung game,” the former De La Salle University ace setter added.
San Beda, meanwhile, ended its campaign with a 3–4 record, falling one win short of a semifinal berth. Daisy Cagas paced the Lady Red Spikers with eight points, while Khim Culanay added six markers in two sets.
(C) V-League Images
UST also needed to steady itself after nearly surrendering a big advantage in the opening frame against Benilde.
The Golden Tigresses regrouped in the second set and leaned on their defense before turning to their attack to close out the sweep, with Marga Altea and Bianca Plaza providing the finishing touches.
Altea led UST with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace, while also contributing four excellent receptions.
Captain Reg Jurado backstopped her with a double-double of 14 points and 11 digs, while Angge Poyos added eight points, eight digs, and five excellent receptions.
“Happy lang kami and siyempre blessed kasi ‘yung elimination namin, ‘yung start namin talagang up-and-down. Good thing is na-test din namin ‘yung mga players namin na bago. Yun kasi yung goal namin, makita namin ‘yung reaction nila, ‘yung performance nila ‘pag nasa game na mismo,” said head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
After securing their semifinal spot, Delos Santos wants his team to carry its recent momentum into the next stage of the tournament.
“Siguro, ‘yung ma-adapt ‘yung sistema ng mga coaches. Kasi andoon kami sa point na ganoon eh, ‘yung dapat alam ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa court. Hindi kami dapat nanghuhula, kaya nag-i-invest talaga kami sa training,” he said.
Benilde finished its campaign with a 2–5 record, with Cam Bartolome providing most of the fight for the Lady Blazers. She finished with 13 points as the team’s lone player in double figures.
With Adamson and UST claiming the final two semifinal spots, the tournament now moves into its knockout stage with the Lady Falcons carrying the top seed after a dominant elimination-round campaign.
University of the East and Arrelano University round out the semifinals cast.
