MANILA — Adamson University surged deeper into Final Four contention after a commanding straight-sets victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-17, 27-25, 25-16, in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball action Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Shaina Nitura delivered a dominant all-around performance, firing 25 points to power the Lady Falcons to a crucial 5-4 record, tying University of Santo Tomas for fourth place and tightening the playoff race.
Adamson’s composure was tested in the second set, where the match hung in the balance at 25-all. Nitura took over in the clutch, hammering an off-the-block hit to seize the lead before sealing the set with a service ace, shifting momentum decisively in favor of the Lady Falcons.
Riding that surge, Adamson overwhelmed Ateneo in the third frame, racing to a 9-2 start that effectively shut the door on any comeback attempt and secured the straight-sets triumph.
Frances Mordi provided solid support with 15 points as Adamson kept its Final Four hopes alive with a statement win.
Ateneo, meanwhile, continued to struggle, slipping to a 1-8 record. Zel Tsunashima and Negrense Alex Montoro paced the Blue Eagles with nine points apiece in the loss.
In the other match, De La Salle University extended its perfect run, overcoming a third-set deficit to defeat University of Santo Tomas, 25-12, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, and remain unbeaten in the tournament.
Negrense standout Angel Canino led the Lady Spikers with 16 points, while Shevana Laput and Shane Reterta contributed 14 and 10, respectively, as La Salle improved to 9-0 and maintained its firm grip on the top spot.
La Salle looked dominant early, cruising to a 25-12 opening-set win, but UST responded with a 25-18 second-set victory to even the match.
The Golden Tigresses threatened to take control in the third set after building a 20-12 lead, but the Lady Spikers mounted a stunning comeback behind timely hits and defensive stops, stealing the set, 25-23, to swing the match in their favor.
La Salle then closed out the contest emphatically in the fourth set.
The loss snapped UST’s three-game winning streak as it dropped to a 5-4 record. Angeline Poyos led the Tigresses with 20 points, while Regina Jurado added 12./PN
