The Adamson Lady Falcons retained their V-League Collegiate Challenge crown after defeating the UST Golden Tigresses in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, in Game 2 of the Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Adamson closed out the best-of-three series with another strong performance from Frances Mordi and Shaina Nitura, who each scored 21 points to lead the defending champions to back-to-back titles.
Mordi, who was also named Season MVP, added the Finals MVP award after delivering 18 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace in the championship-clinching win. Nitura, meanwhile, scored 20 attacks and 1 ace.
Adamson Stamps Class With Fourth-Set Takeover
The Lady Falcons pulled away in the fourth set after Mordi’s service ace extended their lead to 11-8. Lhouriz Tuddao followed with consecutive kills before Nitura took over with three straight points, pushing Adamson ahead, 18-11. The Falcons maintained their cushion to finish the match and secure the championship.
Adamson head coach JP Yude praised his players for responding well to adversity, particularly after starting setter Fhei Sagaysay went down with a right ankle injury in the opening set.
“I really appreciate mga bata on how they responded in bad situations all the time. Ganoon talaga, iyan ang gusto naming ma-accomplish every time,” said Yude.
Bella Sapienza stepped up in Sagaysay’s absence, recording 19 excellent sets as Adamson produced 62 attack points. Tuddao contributed 10 points, while Janna Dizon added 7.
For UST, Zinny Unekwe led the way with 12 points on 7 attacks and 5 blocks. Kim Rubin and Reg Jurado chipped in 11 points apiece, while Angge Poyos finished with 5.
The Golden Tigresses forced a second set behind their blocking, with Em Banagua and Unekwe helping contain Adamson’s attack. However, the Lady Falcons regained control in the third before dominating the final frame to end the series.
Lady Falcons Collect Major Individual Honors
Adamson’s championship run was matched by its haul of individual awards, with the Lady Falcons claiming several of the tournament’s top honors.
Mordi earned both Season MVP and Finals MVP, while also sharing the Best Outside Spiker award with UST’s Poyos. During the preliminary round, Mordi tallied 157 points, including 129 attacks, 14 blocks, and 14 aces.
Sagaysay was named Best Setter after recording 145 excellent sets in the preliminary round, averaging 4.83 per set played. Tuddao took home Best Opposite Hitter, finishing with 76 points on 69 attacks, 3 blocks, and 4 aces.
Adamson also swept the Best Middle Blocker awards through Dote and Dizon. Dote recorded 40 points, including 21 kill blocks, while Dizon finished with 49 points on 25 attacks and 20 blocks.
Meanwhile, UE Lady Red Warriors captain Angge Reyes claimed Best Libero after averaging 4.47 digs per set and posting a 51.72 percent reception efficiency.
