MANILA — Adamson University Lady Falcons stormed into the finals of the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge after torching Arellano University Lady Chiefs in four sets, 22-25, 25-11, 25-13, 25-20, behind a career night from Shaina Nitura at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Nitura unleashed a dominant 30-point performance built on 29 attacks and a block, while also contributing nine digs and nine receptions, as the Lady Falcons completed a sweep of their best-of-three semifinal series to extend their unbeaten streak to nine matches.
“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 mag-deliver hanggang matapos yung laro,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
The Lady Falcons, returning to the championship round for the first time since their runner-up finish in 2022, will face the streaking Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in a best-of-three title series beginning Monday.
Adamson turned the tide in the pivotal fourth set after breaking a 16-all deadlock with a decisive 5-2 run, sparked by a block from Frances Mordi on Crisanta Servidad and a costly antenna touch violation by the latter. Arellano fought back within 22-20, but consecutive kills by Nitura and a running attack from Eloi Dote sealed the victory in one hour and 45 minutes.
Mordi provided all-around brilliance with 17 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions, while Abby Segui fired 12 markers to add firepower for Adamson.
“I always remind them na to stay humble kasi once na lumaki ulo natin on how we play, ma-a-underestimate 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.
Servidad carried the fight for Arellano with 15 points, while Sam Tiratira finished with 11 points, including six blocks, in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws secured their third straight finals appearance after a straight-sets demolition of College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18, with Gerzel Petallo and Jaz Ellarina tallying 11 points apiece./PN
