Adamson University rallied from a seven-point third-set deficit to notch its third straight victory and hand College of Saint Benilde its first loss, 25-22, 25-13, 25-20, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Tuesday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Earlier in the day, Far Eastern University shook off a third-set slip to turn back Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-21, 25-18, 20-25, 25-20, and return to the win column of the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Fresh off a hard-fought five-set triumph over FEU last week, the Lady Falcons once again leaned on UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, who delivered in the clutch to prevent a third-set collapse and keep Adamson unbeaten.
Nitura showcased her all-around brilliance with 18 points built on 16 attacks and two aces, while also tallying eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. With her effort, Adamson improved to a clean 3-0 slate after earlier victories over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and FEU.
“Maganda yung efforts ng bata on how they responded sa mga situations, especially doon sa third set na we were down by seven points, but they responded well and binalik nila yung focus nila. They worked hard para makuha pa rin namin yung game na ito,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
“I’m very happy and very glad that they are contributing na lahat sila. ‘Yon naman talaga yung gusto namin makita na hindi lang si Shaina yung nandiyan na naglalaro and nag-ggain ng more points, but we’re trying our best sa training na i-push ang bawat isa na mag-contribute ang lahat,” he added.
Benilde looked poised to extend the match after racing to a 10-3 advantage in the third set, but Nitura spearheaded Adamson’s fiery fightback. She orchestrated a 10-3 counter-run that tied the frame at 13-all.
The Lady Blazers still held a slim 19-18 lead, but Nitura, MG Del Moral, and Kim Rocha combined for a decisive 5-1 rally to swing the momentum. Rocha’s off-the-block hit and Nitura’s ace closed the sweep in just 79 minutes.
Abby Segui backed Nitura with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace, alongside five excellent digs. Del Moral added six points, while Fhei Sagaysay steered the offense with 16 excellent sets and five points.
(C) V-League
After a sluggish third set, FEU avoided another extended battle by leaning on the firepower of Faida Bakanke, Tin Ubaldo, Jaz Ellarina, and Gerz Petallo to secure a bounce-back win and improve to 2-1.
Bakanke led the charge with 18 points on 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, steering FEU to third place in the standings.
“Sa skills kasi, lahat naman talented. Ang sinabi ko kanina sa huddle is this game is more on their attitude. Kung paano nila gusto gawin yung gusto nila mangyari sa game. Most likely ang sa akin lang is for them to focus more on the mental [aspect],” Lady Tamaraws head coach Tina Salak said.
Letran, winless at 0-2, appeared ready to force a decider after seizing an 8-4 lead in the fourth set. But the trio of Alas Pilipinas Women opposite hitter Cla Loresco, Bakanke, and Ellarina ignited a 12-5 rally that put FEU ahead, 16-13.
That cushion proved enough as Petallo delivered an ace, Bakanke followed up with an offspeed hit and a block, and a Gia Maquilang attack error sealed the Lady Tamaraws’ victory in one hour and 51 minutes.
Ellarina finished with 12 points on eight attacks and four blocks, while Loresco chipped in nine in her V-League return after suiting up for the Nationals in the Southeast Asia V.League.
Petallo added eight points and nine digs, Ubaldo dished out 14 excellent sets, while Alyssa Devosora and Kyle Pendon scored five each.
Zam Nolasco paced the Lady Blazers with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Shahanna Lleses and Cristy Ondangan contributed seven and six points, respectively.
Benilde slipped to 3-1 after earlier wins against Perpetual, Letran, and Ateneo.
On the other side, Judiel Nitura carried the fight for Letran with 20 points on 16 attacks, two aces, and two blocks. Maquilang had 14 points on 11 attacks and 13 excellent receptions.
