ADAMSON University made quick work of Mapua University yesterday 25-15, 25-23, 25-11 to clinch the first semifinal spot in the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Fresh from a sweep of the Arellano University Lady Chiefs, the Lady Falcons leaned on the stellar play of Shaina Nitura, Abby Segui, and Fhei Sagaysay to survive a tight second set and extend their winning streak to five in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Nitura, the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year, delivered 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks, along with five excellent digs, while Segui added 12 points on 11 attacks. With the victory, Adamson solidified its hold on first place with an unbeaten 5-0 record.
Mapua, which came off a breakthrough win over Ateneo de Manila University, was eliminated from semifinal contention after slipping to a 1-5 record in its penultimate game of the tournament.
University of Perpetual Help System strengthened its semifinals hopes with a convincing sweep of Ateneo de Manila University 25-16, 30-28, 25-19.
Reeling from a narrow five-set defeat to Colegio de San Juan de Letran last Aug. 23, the Lady Altas got timely heroics from Shaila Omipon and Geraldine Palacio to complete an epic second-set comeback, sealing a crucial victory and keeping their playoff bid alive in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Omipon led the charge with 11 points, including nine attacks and two aces complemented by 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
With the win, Perpetual improved to a 2-3 record, moving just one game behind Letran (2-2) for fourth place.
“I’m really grateful on how nag-rerespond ‘yung mga bata to every situation. They know that we are learning a lot, but kailangan marami rin kami i-adjust dito sa mga games namin and sa mga training din namin para hindi lang kami mag-stick doon sa nalalaman namin,” Lady Falcons coach JP Yude said.
“It’s always a process and they’re always building a relationship so that pagdating ng panahon, we’re not solely relying on Shaina kasi napapagod din ‘yung bata. Kailangan ma-build namin ‘yung encouragement para mag-contribute each and every one na nasa court,” he added.
After falling into an early five-point hole to start the second set, Adamson responded at the perfect time. A pivotal 4-0 run—powered by three Mordi hits and an attack error from Freighanne Garcia—turned a 21-23 deficit into a critical two-sets-to-none lead.
The narrow second-set triumph gave Adamson the momentum it needed in the third frame. A backrow hit by Nitura and a down-the-line kill from Red Bascon opened up a 16-6 lead, giving the Lady Falcons a decisive 10-point cushion.
Segui then sparked a four-point run with a mix of attacks, including a crosscourt shot, an offspeed hit, a combination play, and a game-sealing crosscourt attack, officially booking Adamson’s place in the semifinals while keeping their record perfect through five games.
Lhouriz Tuddao and Princess Dote contributed seven points each, while Sagaysay dished out 20 excellent sets along with three points.
The Lady Falcons will look to maintain their unbeaten run when they face the Colegio San Juan de Letran Lady Knights and rising star Judiel—Shaina’s older sister—on Wednesday, September 3, at the same Manila venue.
Raissa Ricablanca tallied 10 points on nine attacks, while team captain Alyanna Ong added seven points in the loss.
