Adamson University stamped its class and locked in the No. 1 seed in the semifinals after a resounding 25-18, 25-17, 25-16 sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, extending its winning streak to six games in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Earlier in the day, Ateneo de Manila University finally notched its long-awaited breakthrough, outlasting Arellano University in four sets, 25-13, 9-25, 25-21, 25-20, to keep its campaign alive in the same tournament organized by Sports Vision.
The Lady Falcons showcased their depth and balance once again, with star hitter Shaina Nitura drawing key support from rookie opposite spiker Abby Segui and wing hitter Frances Mordi.
Shaina outdueled older sister Judiel with 10 points and seven excellent receptions, while Segui fired 12 points built on 10 attacks, one ace, and one block. Mordi also had a solid outing with 12 markers and six receptions.
“We are thankful for this opportunity na No. 1 seed kami. We’re very glad na na-execute ng bata nang maayos yung plays today,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
“Pero looking ahead, we’re a work in progress all the time, so kailangan pa namin i-work out yung mga lapses namin all throughout this game para maging pulido pa yung mga galaw ng bata.”
Adamson wasted no time in the third set, racing to a commanding 14-3 lead and never looking back. Eloisa Dote and Red Bascon delivered the finishing blows, with Bascon sealing the match with a rejection on Judiel to preserve Adamson’s unbeaten 6-0 slate.
The loss pushed Letran down to a 2-3 record, tied for fourth with Perpetual. Judiel Nitura finished with 13 points and four digs, while Joralyn Panangin added six markers in a losing effort.
The Lady Knights will try to bounce back against Ateneo on Saturday, September 6.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles finally soared after three straight setbacks. Zey Pacia was unstoppable with 23 points on 22 attacks and one ace, while also adding five receptions and five digs to steer Ateneo to its first win of the tournament (1-3).
“In the collegiate level, hard work is not enough. You need to play smart all the time,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso. “Sometimes we lost nine points because our service and attacks were good, but the players showed today that they can bounce back. They need to know how to play in different situations, and today, most of them played smart.”
Ateneo relied on resilience in the latter sets.
In the third, it erased a 6-11 deficit with a 12-6 run behind Pacia and Ysa Nisperos, while in the fourth, three straight Nisperos kills and Arellano’s errors gave the Blue Eagles the cushion they needed.
Supporting Pacia’s stellar effort were Alex Montoro (10 points, 7 digs), Nisperos (9 points), and Robi Silla (8 points on 4 attacks and 4 aces). Jihan Chuatico added 5 points in the win.
For Arellano, Marianne Padillon and Crisanta Servidad finished with 12 points apiece, while Fhaye Mangubat had nine.
The Lady Chiefs, now at 1-3 after three consecutive losses, will face Perpetual on Saturday.
