Shai Nitura Returns, Adamson Crushes UE to Near Finals Berth

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Shai Nitura is back, and Adamson University looks every bit as dominant as it did in the preliminaries. The defending champions swept the University of the East in Game 1 of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinals, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17.

The win, played Wednesday, September 30, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City, puts the Lady Falcons one victory away from a Finals berth. Game 2 is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. at the same venue.

Shai Nitura returned to the Adamson lineup as the Lady Falcons swept UE in Game 1 of the V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinals. [PVL Images]

Adamson Lady Falcons Sweep UE in V-League Collegiate Challenge Semifinals

Alas Pilipinas spiker and captain Shai Nitura returned to the lineup, and Adamson looked as sharp as it did all through the preliminaries. Both teams reached 23-all in the opener before Frances Mordi’s kill gave the Lady Falcons the set.

The Lady Falcons then built a 17-10 cushion in the second set and closed it out. Off the bench, opposite hitter Abi Segui delivered crucial kills, while setter Bella Sapienza consistently found Segui and Mordi.

Back-to-back kills from Mordi stretched the lead to seven, 19-12, in the third set. Adamson kept adding points from there to finish the sweep.

Head coach JP Yude pointed to confidence as the top takeaway. “Siguro, number one thing is yung kumpiyansa na nanalo today. And then, how we worked on doon sa mga lapses at pag-adjust namin. Nag-adjust sila agad,” he said.

Yude was not fully satisfied, though. “But I’m not really satisfied kasi I know them, how they can play, so ‘yon, we’ll work on that,” the coach added.

Frances Mordi and Adamson Blockers Overpower UE Lady Warriors in Game 1

Mordi again led the way, finishing with 22 points on 16 attacks, three blocks and three service aces. She also recorded 10 excellent receptions.

Eloi Dote added seven points across the second and third sets, including five of Adamson’s 14 blocks. Lhouriz Tuddao and Lana Barrera each scored six points.

Nitura also contributed five attacks in the third set, along with two digs and one excellent reception. Adamson outblocked UE, 14-3, in the hourlong match.

The UE Lady Warriors managed just 28 kills. Janessa Buhay, who previously starred at Adamson High School, led UE with 12 points, 11 of them from attacks.

Senior Van Bangayan was limited to eight points. Adamson will try to close out the series on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. at the same venue.