Take away the reigning UAAP MVP and Adamson still doesn’t drop a set. That was the message on Sunday, and Perpetual had no answer for it.

The Lady Falcons opened their title defense without Shaina Nitura and swept the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta anyway, 25-21, 25-18, 25-22. The 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries continued at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

It was a statement start for the defending champions. Losing a player of Nitura’s standing usually costs a side something — here it cost them nothing at all.

Mordi Steps Up in the Lead Role

With Nitura out, Adamson turned to Nigerian outside hitter Frances Mordi. She delivered at the moments that decided the match: first through a tight second-set opening, then down the closing stretch of the third.

Mordi posted a match-high 20 points on 16 kills, two service aces and a block. Her serving helped Adamson seize control in the second set, and her block sealed the win in the third.

She had support behind her. Lana Barrera filled Nitura’s slot for two sets and produced 12 points, while Lhouriz Tuddao impressed with nine in her debut as an opposite hitter.

A Defense Built on Depth

Head coach JP Yude sounded pleased less with the result than with the depth it exposed. “First of all, I thank God that we got this win. Also I’m happy na nakuha namin yung first game. I’m happy sa performance nila, na kahit sino hugutin, they performed well,” he said.

His second remark framed the wider campaign, pointing well past this tournament. “For us, in this tournament, we always gain experience and learnings na babaunin namin sa UAAP,” Yude added.

Perpetual couldn’t exploit the opening. Cyrille Almeñiana started strongly before Adamson’s defense closed her down, and she finished with eight points.

Both sides return to the same floor this week. The Lady Altas face San Beda University on August 22 at 5 p.m., while Adamson takes on the new-look University of the East Lady Warriors on August 23 at 3 p.m.