Shaina Nitura fired 30 points as Adamson University overcame a slow start to defeat Arellano University, 22-25, 25-11, 25-13, 25-20, advancing to the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge Finals on Thursday morning at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Determined to bounce back from a first-set setback, the Lady Falcons dominated the next three frames behind the heroics of Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Abby Segui, completing a sweep of the best-of-three semifinal series. The win secured Adamson’s second finals appearance since finishing as runner-up in the 2022 edition of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Nitura finished with 30 points on 29 attacks and one block, complemented by nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. Adamson enters the championship round with an impressive nine-game winning streak in as many outings, conceding only four sets along the way.
“I’m very happy na kahit na-down kami ng first set, they came back stronger sa second and third set. Fourth set medyo dumikit pero I know naman kaya nilang magdeliver hanggang matapos yung laro,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
Tied at 16-all in a marathon fourth set, Adamson broke the game open with a pivotal 5-2 run, highlighted by a Frances Mordi block on Crisanta Servidad and an antenna touch by Servidad, to take a crucial 21-18 lead.
A quick hit by Sam Tiratira and a swipe by Keisha Abitria kept the Lady Chiefs within striking distance at 22-20, but two consecutive out-of-system hits by Nitura, followed by a running attack from Eloi Dote, sealed the Lady Falcons’ finals berth in one hour and 45 minutes.
After a commanding second set to even the match, Adamson maintained momentum in the third, with Segui’s crosscourt strike and Nitura’s off-the-block conversion fueling an 11-point cushion, 20-9, setting up a 2-1 sets advantage.
“I always remind them na to stay humble kasi once na lumaki ulo natin on how we play, ma-uunderestimate natin yung kalaban. I always remind them na kailangan mag-stay lang sa process, hard work pa rin sa training para ma-defend pa rin natin yung win streak natin,” Yude added.
Mordi contributed an all-around performance with 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, while Segui added 12 points, showcasing talent beyond her years.
Adamson will now await the winner of the other semifinal between Far Eastern University (1-0) and College of Saint Benilde (0-1) to determine its opponent for the best-of-three Finals, set to begin on Monday, October 6, at the same San Juan venue.
Meanwhile, Arellano will face the losing team between FEU and Benilde in the bronze medal match, also scheduled for October 6 at the same venue.
Servidad led the Lady Chiefs with 15 points, while Tiratira added 11 points on five attacks and a game-high six blocks in the losing effort.
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