Strong Opening Form Keeps Lady Falcons Among V-League Leaders
Defending champion Adamson University maintained its perfect V-League Collegiate Challenge start after sweeping University of the East in Mandaluyong City. The Lady Falcons secured a 25-18, 25-23, 25-16 victory, improving to 2-0 and joining Arellano University atop the standings.
Adamson Survives UE Push Before Completing Sweep
Aeron Paul Valderrama’s Tiebreaker Times coverage documented Adamson’s straight-set victory despite UE pushing the defending champions throughout the second frame. The Lady Falcons followed their opening victory over Perpetual Help by controlling the first and third sets against UE.
Adamson faced its toughest resistance during the second set, when Joy Aseo and Frances Mordi stabilized their team’s performance. Their response secured a 25-23 escape before the Lady Falcons dominated the third frame to complete another convincing sweep.
“So far, so good, kasi halos lahat naman ng girls showed up. And sa two games namin, nakita ko naman how they improved.”
“Thankful lang sa Lord on how they responded sa game, especially don sa second set; how we were able to get through.”
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Second-Set Response Shows Championship Composure
UE forced Adamson to execute under scoreboard pressure instead of allowing the defending champions to rely purely on rhythm. Surviving that challenge without abandoning their structure offered another encouraging sign of Adamson’s composure during important late-set possessions.
Joy Aseo Leads Balanced Adamson Attack
Aseo delivered the match’s strongest individual performance, producing 17 points through 14 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces. Her scoring provided Adamson a dependable option whenever UE threatened, while her defensive presence strengthened the Lady Falcons at net.
Frances Mordi contributed 11 points, five digs, and nine excellent sets during an unusually versatile all-around performance against UE. Fhei Sagaysay added 13 excellent sets, while libero Juris Manuel reinforced Adamson’s floor defense by recording eight digs.
Multiple Contributors Strengthen Lady Falcons Rotation
Adamson’s production across several positions prevents opponents from concentrating their defensive scheme around one primary attacking option. That balance also gives head coach JP Yude greater flexibility when adjusting rotations throughout a demanding collegiate tournament schedule.
UE Drops to 1-1 Despite Adem, Buhay Production
Francheska Adem led the Lady Warriors with 15 points, while Janessa Buhay contributed 11 during UE’s first tournament defeat. Bea Zamudio supplied another seven markers as UE produced its strongest resistance during a tightly contested second-set battle.
The Lady Warriors struggled to recover after losing that frame, allowing Adamson to dictate the third set from early exchanges. UE dropped to 1-1 after previously defeating Benilde and next receives another opportunity against winless San Beda.
Lady Warriors Struggle to Sustain Second-Set Pressure
UE demonstrated enough offensive quality to pressure Adamson, particularly when Adem and Buhay established productive attacking rhythms during rallies. Sustaining those stretches across entire matches becomes essential as the Lady Warriors continue integrating younger players into their rotation.
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Benilde Answers Opening Loss With Victory Over Letran
College of Saint Benilde earned its first victory by defeating Letran, 25-19, 18-25, 25-21, 25-18, after an opening tournament loss. The result carried additional significance after Letran previously defeated Benilde during their recent NCAA championship series.
Benilde recovered after dropping the second set, eventually building a commanding 17-8 fourth-frame advantage before securing the victory. Head coach Jerry Yee emphasized competitive exposure over extensive tactical changes while developing his evolving roster during the tournament.
“Adjustment is kaunti lang, ikot ng tao, ganon lang. Ang habol talaga namin is exposure for all na maglaro lang.”
“Wala pa, hilaw pa; hindi pa kami masaya. Pero ganon talaga, kailangan naming maging patient.”
Arianna Pua Emerges as New Frontcourt Weapon
Middle blocker Arianna Pua powered Benilde with 19 points from 13 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces. Her production provides an encouraging foundation as the Lady Blazers establish another offensive hierarchy following Zam Nolasco’s departure.
Adamson-Letran Match Presents Different Early Test
Letran enters its next matchup against unbeaten Adamson after Judiel Nitura produced 18 points during her season debut. Rheina Merwa added 16 markers against Benilde, giving the winless Lady Knights another proven attacking option beside Nitura.
Adamson carries a 2-0 record into the matchup, while Letran urgently seeks its first victory after consecutive defeats. Benilde meanwhile faces unbeaten Arellano, creating another opportunity to measure its developing rotation against one of the tournament’s early leaders.
Nitura’s Return Gives Lady Knights Added Firepower
Nitura’s return strengthens Letran’s attacking ceiling despite its difficult start, particularly alongside Merwa during high-pressure scoring situations. Adamson must therefore manage a different offensive challenge while protecting the consistency responsible for its unbeaten tournament opening.
Analytical Breakdown: Winning Through Balance
Adamson’s straight-set victory highlighted the value of maintaining composure during competitive stretches, particularly when University of the East challenged throughout the second set. Responding with disciplined execution before dominating the closing frame reflected the consistency expected from a defending champion.
Benilde’s rebound win over Letran also emphasized the importance of balanced scoring and gradual roster development after offseason changes. Contributions from multiple attackers allowed the Lady Blazers to regain momentum while building confidence ahead of tougher V-League competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Adamson versus UE score?
Adamson defeated University of the East, 25-18, 25-23, 25-16, to remain unbeaten in the V-League Collegiate Challenge.
Who led Adamson against UE?
Joy Aseo led Adamson with 17 points from 14 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
What is Adamson’s V-League record?
Adamson improved to 2-0 and shares the early lead with Arellano University in the V-League Collegiate Challenge standings.
Who led Benilde against Letran?
Arianna Pua powered Benilde with 19 points, including 13 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces.
Who will Adamson play next?
Adamson will face Letran, which enters the matchup seeking its first victory after opening the tournament with consecutive defeats.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
