Adamson University is one win from a back-to-back V-League Collegiate Challenge title, and the big question is whether Shai Nitura will return. The Lady Falcons face University of Santo Tomas in Game 2 at the Filoil Centre on Friday, October 9, with play set for 2 p.m.

Adamson took Wednesday’s opener in five sets, 22-25, 25-19, 16-25, 27-25, 15-12, without Nitura, who sat out the match. A return in Game 2 would pose more problems for the Tigresses, who failed to close out the fourth set.

Adamson Lady Falcons Thrive Without Shai Nitura

Nigerian spiker Frances Mordi led the way with 24 points and 11 receptions. Opposite spiker Third Tuddao added 12 points and 11 receptions.

Adamson replicated its preliminary-round formula of winning without Nitura. Joy Aseo scored 19 points in the first four sets, and Lana Barrera, who started the fifth set, added four.

“For me, I’m very happy with how they performed in this game kasi kahapon medyo nag-aaway-away pa kami sa ensayo, eh,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. The team had been bickering in practice a day earlier.

For the Tigresses, Reg Jurado scored 25 points, her best output in a V-League game, while Angge Poyos added 17 and Marga Altea 13. UST must fix its late-game lapses to force a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday.

NU Bulldogs vs. FEU Tamaraws: Men’s Finals Game 2 Preview

In the men’s division, National University (NU) is one win from ending a four-year title drought. The Bulldogs beat Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-14, 39-37, 25-22, in Game 1, and Game 2 is set for 5 p.m. Friday.

It was FEU’s first loss of the tournament after a perfect 7-0 preliminary round and a semifinal sweep of NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde. The Tamaraws had several chances to take the second set, but NU held firm.

NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said the team’s skills and offense are in sync, though its success percentage must rise. The return of Alas standouts Buds Buddin, Peng Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales has boosted the Bulldogs, and Jade Disquitado also contributed.

Dyrx Saavedra leads FEU, which also has Lirick Mendoza back on the roster. For the Tamaraws, mental toughness will be the key to forcing a deciding game.