MANILA — Adamson University stormed into the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Final Four after dismantling Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, sealing its return to the semifinals in emphatic fashion.
The Lady Falcons closed the elimination round with a 9-5 record to lock in solo third place, punching their ticket to the Final Four while other contenders remain locked in a tight race for the remaining slots.
“I’m really happy and blessed sa mga players ko ngayon on how they performed, they always respond to the situation nang maayos. Up and down ang laro pero until the end, hindi kami bumitaw, nag-respond kami nang maayos,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. “Sabi nga, si Lord after three days He rose again, kami after three years, we rose again.”
The victory marks Adamson’s first semifinal appearance since Season 85, when the team secured a bronze medal finish. The program endured a difficult rebuilding stretch afterward, managing only nine wins across the next two seasons combined following a major roster exodus.
Shaina Nitura powered the Lady Falcons with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 18 points built on 12 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while also tallying 10 receptions and six digs. Frances Mordi provided solid support with 12 points.
FEU, meanwhile, slipped to 7-6 and dropped to fifth place, placing its Final Four hopes in jeopardy ahead of a crucial showdown against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday. Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 11 points, along with nine receptions and five digs.
In another match, Ateneo snapped a long losing skid by overpowering University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 29-27.
After struggling through most of the season, the Blue Eagles found their rhythm behind Negrenses Dona de Leon and Jihan Chautico, earning just their second win in 13 games.
De Leon led Ateneo with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Chuatico and Ana Hermosura chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
For UE, the loss capped another winless campaign, as the Lady Warriors finished the season without a victory for the second straight year. Khy Cepada paced the team with 18 points./PN
