Even without Shaina Nitura, the Adamson Lady Falcons came from behind to defeat the UST Golden Tigresses, 22-25, 25-19, 16-25, 27-25, 15-12, and take Game 1 of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Lady Falcons erased a 1-2 deficit, survived a tight fourth set, and eventually took control in the deciding frame, putting themselves one win away from back-to-back V-League championships.
Adamson Holds Nerve in Decider
In the decider set, Adamson finally broke through at 10-9 when Marga Altea committed an attack error. Sagaysay then followed with a well-placed push to give the Lady Falcons a 12-9 cushion. UST tried to stay within striking distance, but Mordi delivered a cross-court attack to put Adamson at match point, 14-12. Angge Poyos answered for the Golden Tigresses, but Sagaysay set up Janna Dizon for the championship-winning quick attack.
“We thank the Lord for this win, for the strength ng mga bata na binigay ni Lord. For me, I’m very happy with how they performed this game kasi kahapon medyo nag-aaway-away pa kami sa ensayo, eh,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
“Pero because of the—’yun nga, ’yung training namin—ni-ready kami ni Lord for that situation kahapon sa training kasi itong fifth set pala ’yung magiging game namin. So, very happy and very glad,” he added.
Lady Falcons Step Up in Nitura’s Absence
Frances Mordi led the Lady Falcons with 24 points on 21 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace, while also contributing 11 excellent receptions. Joy Aseo added 19 points, all from attacks, while Lhouriz Tuddao finished with 12 points and 11 excellent digs.
Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated Adamson’s offense with 28 excellent sets and 4 points, while Juris Manuel anchored the floor defense with 12 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Regina Jurado paced UST with 25 points on 19 attacks, 3 blocks, and 3 aces, while also recording 19 excellent digs. Poyos added 17 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Altea and Blessing Unekwe contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Adamson will have its first chance to close out the series and claim the V-League crown on Friday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
