Volleyball fans at Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila City are treated to an action packed Tuesday afternoon yesterday August 12, as the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge continues.
Shaina “The Ace” Nitura Returns to Save the Day for the Adamson Lady Falcons
With barely enough rest after playing for the national volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, Nitura quickly suited up as her Lady Falcons faced off against the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
Photo Credits: V-League
Adamson wasted no time taking control in the opening set and doubled down in the second, though not without resistance from the Lady Tamaraws. FEU’s Jaz Ellarina and Faida Bakanke used their blocking prowess to erase a six-point deficit and briefly take the lead at 18-17, but late errors allowed Adamson to escape and build a 2–0 set cushion.
Photo Credits: V-League
The Lady Tamaraws refused to fold, using the momentum of their near-comeback in the second frame to dominate the third set. FEU then eked out a tight win in the fourth to force a decider.
In the fifth, Adamson’s composure and chemistry which came from rooted in the familiarity of players who had come through its high school program was able to shine through.
Shaina’s presence proved crucial in the decider, where she scored five key points to push the Lady Falcons ahead, 23-20, before an unreturned ball by libero Althea Aposaga and a quick strike from Lhouriz Tuddao sealed the match after two hours and 19 minutes of play.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-22, Set 2: 25-21, Set 3: 25-17, Set 4: 25-22, Set 5: 15-11
Photo Credits: V-League
The Superstar Sophomore from Adamson delivered a commanding 28-point performance built on 27 attacks and one block as she earned the Best Player of the Match award.
Alongside Nitura’s heroics, Frances Mordi once again proved reliable with 15 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace. Middle blockers Tuddao and MG Del Moral chipped in eight points apiece.
Adamson improved to 2-0 and shared the tournament lead with De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. Their next match will be this August 17, Sunday against the CSB Lady Blazers themselves.
Photo Credits: V-League
For the side of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, Gerzel Petallo spearheaded their offense with 18 points, all but one coming from attacks. Ellarina, making her preseason debut, tallied 16 points, highlighted by seven kill blocks.
FEU on the other hand slipped to 1-1 and will look to rebound against Letran also this Sunday at 10 a.m.
Zam Nolasco of the CSB Blazers Torches Letran Lady Knights
After capturing the historic four-peat in the previous NCAA Season 100, Zam Nolasco made sure the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights knew that the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers were still in championship form.
Photo Credits: V-League
The Lady Blazers started hot, capitalizing on Letran’s defensive lapses in the first two sets to build double-digit cushions and cruise to commanding wins.
Photo Credits: V-League
But the Lady Knights, eager to give new head coach Aleksi Lahteenimaki a victorious debut after back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances under Oliver Almadro, roared back in the third set. Led by captain Gia Maquilang’s all-around brilliance, they pounced on Benilde’s errors and dictated the pace to cut the match deficit in half.
With momentum on their side, Letran kept applying pressure in the fourth set and even threatened to force a decider.
However, Benilde’s composure and net defense which was anchored by middle blocker Zam Nolasco indeed proved to be decisive down the stretch. Nolasco delivered three key kills late in the set, including a match-clinching power tip.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-15, Set 2: 25-15, Set 3: 25-20, Set 4: 25-20
Photo Credits: V-League
Zam finished with 21 points built on 12 attacks and eight blocks earning her the Best Player of the Match award.
Setter Chenae Basarte kept the Lady Blazers’ offense humming with 24 excellent sets that generated 52 attacks. Rhea Densing was a steady presence with 13 points, including two blocks, while Kai Lleses chipped in eight markers.
Benilde (2-0) will look to extend its perfect start against debuting Ateneo de Manila University on August 16, Saturday at noon, still at Paco Arena.
Photo Credits: V-League
Maquilang was the undisputed spark for Letran, posting a triple-double of 21 points, 14 digs, and 10 excellent receptions. Opposite hitter Verenicce Colendra added nine points, but the Lady Knights ultimately ran out of steam in the closing moments.
Letran (0-1) aims to bounce back against Far Eastern University (1-0) next Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m.
