Despite the rainy weather on Saturday, August 30, the action still continues for the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Lady Falcons Easily Sweeps the Lady Chiefs to go up 4-0
Entering the match as the only team with no losses, Adamson University had a lot of confidence in itself as it took on the 1-1 Arellano University.
The Adamson Lady Falcons started on the right foot, cruising in the first set behind their steady offense and floor defense to comfortably secure a Set 1 victory.
Arellano Lady Chiefs regrouped in the next frame, challenging Adamson with tighter net defense. The Lady Chiefs scored most of their seven total blocks in the second set, forcing the Lady Falcons to adjust. Still, Adamson managed to pull away late, holding on to a win for a 2-0 advantage.
The third set turned into another dogfight as Arellano stayed within striking distance. Kim Rocha sparked Adamson with three timely points off the bench, while Shaina Nitura delivered the finishing touches. The Lady Falcons held firm to close the match and go for a successful 3-set sweep.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-18, Set 2: 25- 21, Set 3: 25-22
Alas Pilipinas star Nitura shone once again for Adamson, posting a game-high 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, along with 10 digs and nine excellent receptions. Rocha’s energy also proved vital in the final stretch. Setter Fhei Sagaysay dished out 18 excellent sets, while Laika Tudlasan contributed seven points.
“First of all, we thank the Lord dito sa four wins namin,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
“Siguro, nakikita ko lang kung paano mag-work ‘yung mga bata, how they stick together especially during hard times. Especially kanina, lumalamang ‘yung kalaban. So ‘yun ‘yung mga good thing, good problem, na kumbaga nao-overcome nila during the game.”
Despite the loss, the Lady Chiefs had bright spots. Sam Tiratira led her team with 12 points and three blocks, while Laika Tudlasan contributed seven points.
Adamson improved to 4-0 and inched closer to a semifinal spot. They face winless Mapua University (0-4) on Sunday at 10 a.m., while Arellano looks to regroup moving forward.
Mapúa Overcomes Ateneo’s Set 3 Rally in a Battle of Winless Teams
Mapúa University is on the brink of tournament elimination as they have gone 4-straight losses already, while Ateneo De Manila University is also still seeking their 1st win in the competition as they are currently 0-1.
Mapua struck early, banking on their heavy hitters to take control of the first set. Behind strong net play and timely attacks, the Lady Cardinals pulled away late to secure Set 1.
The second set turned into another close battle as Ateneo tried to settle in. But Mapua stayed composed, with Freighanne Garcia and Alyanna Ong finding ways to break through Ateneo’s defense. The Lady Cardinals once again edged the Blue Eagles to build a 2-0 cushion.
The Blue Eagles refused to go down quietly in the third. Behind seniors Gena Hora and Taks Fujimoto, Ateneo rallied late to erase Mapua’s lead. Hora delivered crucial attacks that helped Ateneo snatch the set, extending the match.
The fourth set saw both sides trading momentum. Angelick Gavoca sparked Mapua with back-to-back one-two plays, while Ong made her presence felt at the net with a clutch block to keep them in contention. Ateneo appeared ready to force a decider when Hora’s spike gave them a set point, but consecutive errors from the opposite hitter allowed Mapua to pull level at 24.
The Lady Cardinals seized the opportunity and closed out the set, sealing their breakthrough win in two hours and nine minutes.
FINAL SCORE = Set 1: 25-21, Set 2: 25-22, Set 3: 25-23, Set 4: 26-24
Ong powered Mapua with 26 points, including a game-high four blocks, while Garcia matched her with 26 of her own, highlighted by 23 spikes and three aces. Gavoca steadied the offense with 23 excellent sets and chipped in four points.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, siguro ‘yung pangatlong talo namin, wake up call na sa ‘min ‘yon; na ano ba nangyayari dyan,” said Mapua head coach Aying Esteban.
“Ni-reset lang namin ‘yung team namin; masyadong mataas ‘yung tension. Masyadong takot ng magkamali. At least nakita namin na nag-react ‘yung mga bata sa ginawa namin.”
Ateneo, meanwhile, goes down 0-2, despite Zey Pacia’s 13 points and Alana Tan-chi’s 10 markers.
Mapua improved to 1-4, keeping its semifinal hopes alive. The Lady Cardinals next face league-leader Adamson University (4-0) on Sunday at 10 a.m.
