Adamson University moved a step closer to defending its title after sweeping the University of Santo Tomas, 25–23, 25–17, 25–17, to clinch a semifinals berth in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The defending champions needed just an hour and 28 minutes to subdue the Golden Tigresses and claim a share of the top spot at 5–1 with Arellano University, their only tormentor so far in the tournament.
Adamson leaned on its activity at the net, with Joy Aseo reading UST’s offense to perfection and denying Em Banagua and Ashley Knop in the third set.
That defensive wall eventually forced the Tigresses to second-guess their attacks, leading to errors that allowed the Lady Falcons to stretch their lead to double digits.
“We were eager talaga, especially yung mga bata, because of that loss (to Arellano). Siyempre, kung ano yung babaunin namin sa next games. I’m very happy and grateful on how my players responded properly sa training and sa game today,” said head coach JP Yude.
Aseo starred with 19 points after coming off the bench in the opening set, scoring 16 points on attacks and three on kill blocks, including two in the final frame.
Fellow wingers Lhouriz Tuddao and Frances Modri added 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Fhei Sagaysay tallied 14 excellent sets and two points.
Angge Poyos was the lone Tigress to finish in double figures with 13 points, while Reg Jurado was limited to eight.
(C) V-League Images
Adamson will wrap up its preliminary-round campaign against San Beda University (3–3) on Sunday, September 27, at noon, with the Lady Red Spikers needing a win to secure a spot in the semifinals.
San Beda kept its semifinals hopes alive earlier in the day by pulling off a rousing sweep of previously unbeaten Arellano, 25-20, 25-11, 20-25, 25–23.
The Lady Red Spikers improved to 3–3 after controlling most of the contest, although the Lady Chiefs threatened to extend the match in the third and final set.
Head coach Benjamin Mape credited the team’s growing confidence following its first win over rivals Colegio de San Juan de Letran, which carried over into the crucial victory against the semifinals-bound Arellano side.
“Importante kasi dito is yung communication and yung self-confidence, which is na-develop naman. At saka yung problem solving: every situation kasi we solve the problem within,” said Mape, who once again took the reins from head coach Kungfu Reyes.
(C) V-League Images
Senior wing spiker Angel Habacon paced San Beda with 21 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and two service aces. The seasoned spiker nearly posted a triple-double, adding 10 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Janelle Bachar started the game on fire and finished with 19 points to backstop Habacon, while setter Jan Rose Bulak was solid at the service line, drilling seven aces to go with 12 excellent sets.
Cris Servidad led Arellano with 16 points, while Heart Villaflores and Catherine Chu added 11 markers apiece.
The Lady Chiefs suffered their first loss of the tournament but remained at 5–1, tied with Adamson at the top of the standings.
Arellano will look to bounce back against the University of the East on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, UST dropped to 3–3 and will face De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (2–4) in a potential do-or-die battle for the final semifinals spot earlier on September 27 at 10 a.m.
With Adamson, Arellano, and San Beda all still in the semifinals picture, the final weekend of the preliminary round is set to determine the last spots in the Final Four.
