Possible Shai Nitura Return Adds Twist to Adamson-UE V-League Semi

0Shares

Shai Nitura could be the biggest wild card in the V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinals. Defending champion Adamson University meets University of the East on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Filoil EcoOil Centre, with the ace’s possible return looming.

The Lady Falcons topped the preliminary round with a 6-1 record despite playing without Nitura. She suited up for Alas Pilipinas in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, and a V-League appearance at this stage remains possible.

Shai Nitura could return for Adamson University as the defending champions begin their V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinal series against UE. [PVL Images]

Adamson Lady Falcons Eye Another Title Run

Nigerian standout Frances Mordi and Joy Aseo have been solid for Adamson through the preliminaries. Their play kept the Lady Falcons atop the standings without Nitura. Her return would give the defending champions their ace back.

The top-ranked Lady Falcons face UE in a best-of-three series starting at 10 a.m. The Lady Warriors will need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against the defending champions.

Arellano University is the only team to beat Adamson in the tournament. The Lady Chiefs handed the Lady Falcons their lone loss of the preliminary round and are still alive in the other semifinal.

UE Lady Warriors Chase V-League Podium

Captain-libero Angge Reyes said UE must learn from the preliminary round after beating Arellano on Saturday. “Actually, kasalanan din naman namin kasi kung hindi kami nagpatalo sa mga previous games, hindi kami mahihirapan nang ganito,” she said.

The Lady Warriors had to win their final two matches to reach the Final Four with a 4-3 record. “We are not satisfied pa. Wala na kaming chance na mag-improve pa kapag nasa-satisfy lang kami,” said Reyes, who is in her final year with the program.

UE is making its third V-League semifinals appearance and hopes to return to the podium after winning bronze in 2023 and 2024. Van Bangayan, who erupted for 34 points against Arellano, will lead the way alongside rookie Janessa Buhay.

Bangayan has scored at least 30 points in two games in the tournament. Reyes, meanwhile, provides the stability the team needs as UE tries to topple the defending champions.

In the other women’s semifinal, University of Santo Tomas (4-3) faces Arellano (5-2) at 12 noon. The semifinal winners advance to the best-of-three Finals, while the losers meet in a one-game battle for third place.