On September 3, 2025, a much-awaited V-League Collegiate Challenge matchup happened, and a team finally got a much-needed win.
Zey Pacia Hands Ateneo University Their 1st Ever Victory
The Ateneo University Lady Blue Eagles are the only team in the tournament that has not yet won any games.
Battling Arellano University, getting their 1st ever victory wasn’t easy.
The Blue Eagles came out sharp in the opening set, quickly asserting control with Pacia and Nisperos leading the charge. Ateneo’s crisp ball movement and efficient attacks overwhelmed the Lady Chiefs, who struggled to keep up with the pace. The set ended in a commanding win, giving Ateneo an early 1-0 lead.
Momentum swung drastically in the second frame as Arellano flipped the script. The Lady Chiefs capitalized on Ateneo’s misfires and piled on points through their wing hitters. With crisp execution, they pulled away early and never looked back, handing Ateneo a lopsided Set 2 defeat to level the match at one set apiece.
Facing pressure, Ateneo responded with grit in the pivotal third set. After falling behind 6-11, the Blue Eagles mounted a huge 12-6 run to take control. Nisperos delivered a clutch down-the-line kill, Pacia struck twice, and an Arellano error further boosted the comeback. Ateneo held firm down the stretch to close the set, regaining a 2-1 edge.
Ateneo seized the initiative early in Set 4, as three consecutive attacks from Nisperos coupled with three costly Arellano errors opened up an 18-13 cushion. From there, the Blue Eagles never looked back. Jihan Chuatico’s quick swipe, a Servidad miscue, and a decisive down-the-line strike from Pacia sealed the Set 4 finish, clinching Ateneo’s first win of the tournament.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-13, Set 2: 25-9, Set 3: 25-21, Set 4: 25-20
Zey Pacia anchored Ateneo’s breakthrough, exploding for 23 points off 22 attacks and one ace while also contributing on defense with five digs and five receptions. Supporting her were Alex Montoro with 10 points and seven digs, Nisperos with nine markers, and Robi Silla who chipped in eight points, highlighted by four service aces. Chuatico added five points, including a block.
“In the collegiate level, hard work is not enough. You need to play smart all the time,” said Blue Eagles Head Coach Sergio Veloso.
“Sometimes we lost nine points because our service and attacks were good, but the players showed today that they can bounce back. They need to know how to play in different situations, and today, most of them played smart.”
Arellano was paced by Marianne Padillon and Crisanta Servidad with 12 points apiece, while Fhaye Mangubat tallied nine in the loss.
The victory lifted Ateneo to a 1-3 record, tying Arellano, which dropped its third straight. The Blue Eagles aim to build momentum when they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights on Saturday, September 6, at the Paco Arena.
On the same date and venue, Arellano will try to halt its slump against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
Shaina Versus Judiel = Lady Falcon Versus Lady Knight
For the 2nd game, the much-awaited “Battle of Nitura Siblings” finally happened as the Adamson University of Shaina Nitura faced the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán of Judiel Nitura.
The Lady Falcons asserted themselves right from the start, leaning on timely hits from rookie opposite spiker Abby Segui and the steady presence of star scorer Shaina Nitura. Adamson dictated the pace in the opening set, creating separation midway through before sealing a 1-0 lead.
Momentum stayed with Adamson in the second frame. Building a 16-10 cushion, the Lady Falcons fended off Letran’s attempts to rally. Segui provided the offensive spark while Lhouriz Tuddao contributed key attacks and blocks late in the set, lifting Adamson to a 25-17 finish and a two-sets-to-none advantage.
The third set was all Adamson, as the Lady Falcons quickly surged to a 14-3 advantage. Back-to-back strikes from Frances Mordi, an error from Jade Isar, and a quick hit by Kamille Dionisio widened the gap to 20-6. Though the Lady Knights responded with a 9-3 run to trim the deficit to 23-15, Adamson remained composed.
A quick swipe from Eloisa Dote and a game-clinching block from Red Bascon on Judiel Nitura sealed the victory and preserved the Lady Falcons’ perfect record.
FINAL SCORES = Set 1: 25-18, Set 2: 25-17, Set 3: 25-16
Rookie Segui stepped up with 12 points on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace. Mordi matched her output with 12 points off 10 kills and two blocks while adding six excellent receptions. Shaina finished with 10 markers and seven receptions in a match-up against her older sister Judiel, who led Letran with 13 points and four digs. Tuddao also chipped in seven points, anchored by three blocks.
“We are thankful for this opportunity na No. 1 seed kami. We’re very glad na na-execute ng bata nang maayos yung plays today. Pero looking ahead, we’re a work in progress all the time so kailangan pa namin i-work out yung mga lapses namin all throughout this game para maging pulido pa yung mga galaw ng bata,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
The win solidified Adamson’s unbeaten 6-0 card and a guaranteed semifinal berth. The Lady Falcons will aim to complete a clean sweep of the eliminations when they face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Sunday, September 7, at the Paco Arena.
For Letran, the defeat dropped them into a tie for fourth place with Perpetual Help at 2-3, putting their semifinal hopes in jeopardy. The Lady Knights, now on a two-game slide, will look to regroup when they battle Ateneo on Saturday, September 6.
