The Sunday, August 31 action at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila for the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge proved to serve delight and amusement for volleyball fans.
Adamson Lady Falcons Clinches a Semifinals Slot
The Adamson University opted to make it to have a slot at the Final Four as well as extend their unblemished record as they faced the Mapúa University.
The Lady Falcons opened the match in commanding fashion, racing ahead early to dominate the first set. With their frontline clicking, Adamson had little trouble dismantling the Lady Cardinals’ defense to seize control of the game.
Mapua threatened to change the momentum in the second frame, where Adamson trailed by five points early and later found themselves staring at a 21-23 deficit. But the Falcons refused to yield.
A timely 4-0 surge, which was highlighted by three attacks from Frances Mordi and an error from Freighanne Garcia, gave them the momentum which ultimately led to a comeback and gave them a two-set cushion.
Adamson carried the same energy into the third. A backrow hit from Shaina Nitura and a down-the-line strike by Red Bascon fueled a 16-6 advantage, and from there the Falcons never looked back. Abby Segui delivered the finishing touches with a string of attacks, including a game-clinching crosscourt kill, to complete the sweep.
FINAL SCORE = Set 1: 25-15, Set 2: 25-23, Set 3: 25-11
Nitura, the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year, spearheaded the charge with 18 points built on 16 kills and two blocks, while also tallying five digs. Segui chipped in 12 points, while setters Fhei Sagaysay and Lhouriz Tuddao orchestrated the offense, combining for 20 excellent sets and seven points. Princess Dote also added seven markers in the win.
Head coach JP Yude praised his squad’s composure, while stressing the importance of growth and collective effort moving forward.
“I’m really grateful for how the players are responding to every situation. They know that we are learning a lot, but we also need to make adjustments in games and training so we don’t just stick to what we already know,” Yude said.
“It’s always a process. We’re building relationships so that eventually, we’re not solely relying on Shaina because she also gets tired. We need to build encouragement so that everyone on the court contributes,” he added.
With the victory, Adamson stayed perfect at 5-0 to remain on top of the standings, which allowed them to book a Final Four spot.
They will aim to extend their streak when they face Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday, September 3, where Nitura will go head-to-head with her older sister, Judiel.
Mapua, on the other hand, fell to 1-5 following the defeat and bowed out of semifinal contention despite coming off a breakthrough win against Ateneo the previous day. Raissa Ricablanca finished with 10 points, while team captain Alyanna Ong contributed seven in the loss.
Perpetual Help Raises Semifinals Hopes After Beating Ateneo
For the 2nd game of the Sunday doubleheader, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA played against a struggling and winless Ateneo De Manila University.
The Lady Altas wasted no time imposing their will in the opening set, pulling away early and keeping the Blue Eagles at bay.
Ateneo nearly stole momentum in the second frame, building a 24-20 advantage behind a block from Dona de Leon and an attack error from Charisse Enrico. The Blue Eagles even held eight set points, but Perpetual refused to back down.
Geraldine Palacio’s timely rejection of Ana Hermosura, coupled with crucial miscues from Gena Hora and Faye Nisperos, capped a stunning comeback as the Lady Altas escaped with a win and a commanding two-set lead.
Riding on that momentum, Perpetual stayed steady in the third set despite Ateneo’s attempts to rally. From a 13-all deadlock, consecutive aces by Shaila Omipon sparked a 4-0 run that widened the gap.
Pauline Reyes later delivered a sharp down-the-line kill, Omipon followed with a cutshot, and back-to-back Ateneo errors sealed the sweep in just 88 minutes.
FINAL SCORES: Set 1: 25-16, Set 2: 30-28, Set 3: 25-19
Omipon anchored the Lady Altas with an all-around performance of 11 points on nine spikes and two aces, while also contributing 11 digs and seven receptions. Palacio added nine markers highlighted by four blocks and three aces, while Jernalyn Menor and Reyes chipped in eight points each.
Head coach Sandy Rieta credited his team’s resilience, particularly during the marathon second set.
“It’s a matter of strong heart. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanila na huwag natin ibibigay kahit ano mangyari. Manalo or matalo basta ang importante, lalaban at lalaban tayo, which is ‘yon yung nangyari sa game and sa second set,” Rieta said.
The win lifted Perpetual to 2-3, just a game behind Letran (2-2) for the last semifinal spot. The Lady Altas aim to keep their playoff hopes alive when they battle Arellano University on Saturday, September 6.
For Ateneo, Enrico scored seven points on four kills and three blocks, while setter Nicollette Gaa tallied 16 excellent sets to go with three points. However, no Blue Eagle reached double digits, with Nisperos finishing as the top scorer at just seven points.
Meanwhile, Ateneo continued to struggle, dropping to 0-4 after earlier losses to NCAA contenders College of Saint Benilde, Mapua, and now Perpetual.
