Adamson University capped off a perfect preliminary round in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-22, 25-17, 25-11, on Sunday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Lady Falcons soared to a flawless 7-0 win-loss record in the elimination phase, dropping only three sets along the way. They now head into the semifinals brimming with confidence, fueled by breakout performances from Alas Pilipinas young gun Shaina Nitura, rookie hitter Abby Segui, and foreign student-athlete Frances Mordi in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Nitura delivered a stellar all-around outing with 24 points on 21 attacks, complemented by nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. Mordi provided solid support with 14 points built on 13 attacks and one block, along with five excellent digs and four excellent receptions, as Adamson secured its seventh straight win.
“Yung teamwork talaga yung naging difference — on how they play as one. May mga lapses pa rin during the situation na may pressure and tough times, pero lagi ko rineremind na always need mag-respond in every situation kasi the more na nandoon tayo sa tough times, the more that we’ll stick together,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
After a tight opening set, Adamson broke away in the second frame with a commanding 9-2 run. Behind the firepower of MG Del Moral, Mordi, Nitura, and Segui, the Lady Falcons turned a slim 14-13 edge into a comfortable 23-15 lead before closing out the set with ease.
Riding that momentum, Adamson stormed to a decisive 16-5 advantage in the third set — capped by two aces from Nitura, an off-the-block strike from Mordi, and a quick attack from Del Moral.
A net fault by Ateneo skipper Taks Fujimoto, followed by back-to-back missiles from Nitura, sealed Adamson’s immaculate elimination-round sweep in just 82 minutes.
Segui chipped in eight points, while Lhouriz Tuddao added seven markers on four attacks and three blocks. Setter Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets and contributed five points, while Juris Manuel anchored the floor defense with nine digs and nine receptions.
On the other side, Ateneo — coming off a grueling five-set loss to Colegio de San Juan de Letran the day before — officially bowed out of semifinal contention, dropping to 1-5 in the standings with one game left.
Zey Pacia was the lone Blue Eagle to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points alongside six excellent receptions.
The Blue Eagles will aim to close their campaign on a high note when they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws this Wednesday, September 10, at the same venue.
