Adamson University unleashed a championship storm led by Tournament MVP Shaina Nitura and Francess Mordi, sweeping Far Eastern University, 25-19, 25-19, 25-14, to capture the 2025 Women’s V-League Collegiate Challenge title in resounding fashion, Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After stumbling in Game 2 with a 13-25, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25 loss last Wednesday, the Lady Falcons regrouped with fierce determination and soared back stronger. They overpowered the Lady Tamaraws to secure their fourth overall title in a Sports Vision-organized tournament.
This marks Adamson’s third V-League title, following championships in 2008 and 2010 under coach Dulce Pante with stars Pau Soriano and Lizlee Gata-Pantone.
It also adds to their 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference triumph under coach Lerma Giron, with Trisha Genesis and Louie Romero leading the way.
What was expected to be a hard-fought rubber match turned into a one-sided display of dominance, as Adamson’s relentless offense buried FEU with a commanding 47-23 edge in attacks in just one hour and 23 minutes.
(C) V-League Images
“First of all, we praise God for the win because sa mga hectic ng games, the Lord sustained ‘yung strength ng mga bata. So siguro the first thing na nangyari na kinaibahan ng Game 2 is una pa lang, they stuck to the plan. ‘Yung pinag-usapan namin kagabi, ‘yung inaral namin kagabi, they stuck to it,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
“Then may joy sila, naka-focus, and may happiness sila. ‘Yun lang, ‘yun ‘yung kulang namin nung Game 2 eh, ‘yung application na gusto namin mag-champion that time pero ‘yung application kulang sa loob ng court. Gumana talaga lahat ng pinag-aralan namin kagabi,” he added.
At the heart of Adamson’s dominance was Shaina Nitura, who completed a stellar all-around performance with 17 points, 13 digs, and 10 receptions in the title-clinching victory.
The fiery spiker also earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 23.33 points throughout the best-of-three series.
“Una po talaga, thank you Lord. Kasi grabe po yung mga learnings na pinapadaan sa amin ni Lord — as a team talaga, talagang pinapatibay Niya kami. And I’m very grateful talaga sa talo namin, kasi I don’t think na may matutunan kami kung nanalo kami doon,” said Nitura.
Matching her intensity, Nigerian outside hitter Francess Mordi powered the Lady Falcons’ attack with 19 points — 18 from attacks — plus four excellent receptions, providing the spark that fueled Adamson’s redemption win. Eloi Dote also chipped in with 11 points, including three service aces.
Best Setter Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets on top of three points and seven digs, ensuring Adamson’s attackers stayed in rhythm throughout the match.
Adamson capped its dominant campaign with an 11-1 overall record, its only blemish being the Game 2 loss to FEU — a setback that, as Nitura said, became the turning point of their journey.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws settled for their third straight runner-up finish in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, following losses to the College of Saint Benilde in 2023 and University of Santo Tomas in 2024.
Jaz Ellarina stood as FEU’s lone bright spot with 11 points built on four attacks, four blocks, and three aces.
However, top scorers Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon were silenced in Game 3, limited to just seven and one point, respectively, as the Lady Tamaraws ran out of answers against Adamson’s unrelenting storm.
