ADAMSON University rallied from a seven-point third-set deficit to notch its third straight victory and hand College of Saint Benilde its first loss, 25-22, 25-13, 25-20, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Tuesday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Fresh off a hard-fought five-set triumph over the FEU Lady Tamaraws last week, the Lady Falcons once again leaned on UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura, who delivered in the clutch to prevent a third-set collapse and keep Adamson unbeaten in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Nitura showcased her all-around brilliance with 18 points built on 16 attacks and two aces, while also tallying eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. With her effort, Adamson improved to a clean 3-0 slate after earlier victories over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and FEU.
“Maganda ‘yung efforts ng bata on how they responded sa mga situations, especially doon sa third set na we were down by seven points, but they responded well and binalik nila ‘yung focus nila. They worked hard para makuha pa rin namin ‘yung game na ito,” Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude said.
“I’m very happy and very glad that they are contributing na lahat sila. ‘Yon naman talaga ‘yung gusto namin makita na hindi lang si Shaina ‘yung nandiyan na naglalaro and nag-ge-gain ng more points, but we’re trying our best sa training na i-push ang bawat isa na mag-contribute ang lahat,” he added.
The Lady Blazers looked poised to extend the match after racing to a 10-3 advantage in the third set, but Nitura spearheaded Adamson’s fiery fightback, orchestrating a 10-3 counter-run that tied the frame at 13-all.
The set turned into a tight battle with Benilde still holding a slim 19-18 edge, but the trio of Nitura, MG Del Moral, and Kim Rocha came alive at the perfect moment, powering a decisive 5-1 run that gave Adamson a 23-20 cushion. Rocha’s off-the-block hit and Nitura’s fitting service ace sealed the sweep in just 79 minutes.
Adamson’s momentum began in the opening frame, where it eked out a narrow win, before catching fire in the second. Three straight points from Nitura, a quick attack from Del Moral, and a crafty 1-2 play from Fhei Sagaysay helped the Lady Falcons break away, building a commanding 21-12 lead to secure a two-set advantage.
Abby Segui provided solid support with 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks, and one ace, alongside five excellent digs. Del Moral contributed six points, while Sagaysay steered the offense with 16 excellent sets and added five points of her own.
Meanwhile, Benilde, which previously cruised past Perpetual, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Ateneo de Manila University, absorbed its first loss to drop to 3-1.
Zam Nolasco paced the Lady Blazers with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks. Shahanna Lleses and Cristy Ondangan chipped in seven and six points, respectively, in the loss.
