Adamson University took a giant step toward a second finals appearance in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, sweeping Arellano University in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 25-16, to claim the first win in their best-of-three semifinal series on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Fueled by a stellar performance from Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons extended their unbeaten streak to eight games, maintaining their position as the only undefeated squad in the women’s division.
Nitura poured in 25 points on 22 attacks, adding two service aces, a kill block, eight excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions, steadily propelling Adamson toward victory before dismantling the Lady Chiefs in the third set.
After surviving a nail-biting first set, Adamson bounced back from a sluggish start in the second, erasing an early 6-11 deficit with a blistering 19-8 run through a balanced offensive attack to seize a commanding 2-0 lead.
Riding the momentum, the Lady Falcons unleashed an unstoppable offense in the third set, storming to a 17-7 lead, capped by a thunderous Frances Mordi kill that sealed the sweep.
(C) V-League Images
“Number one, we praise God for the win ‘no. So I’m very happy sa panalo ngayon because may edge na kami to the finals, pero we don’t stop [here],” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude after the game.
“Mayroon pang game tomorrow, so adjust pa kung ano pa ‘yung maa-adjust namin from today. Especially the energy and the aggressiveness ng mga players namin. Tomorrow siguro I will push them na more aggressive pa,” he added.
Mordi supported Nitura with 17 points on 14 attacks, two aces, and one block, as the duo carried much of the offensive load for the top-ranked squad from the eliminations.
Felicity Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets, while Juris Manuel contributed nine excellent receptions.
For the Lady Chiefs, Crisanta Servidad was the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks, while Samantha Tiratira and Heart Villaflores added six points each in the loss.
Adamson will aim to close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the same venue, while Arellano fights to keep its finals hopes alive.
