Adamson gains key F4 race edge with sweep of UST
Normally a mainstay on offense,.
Adamson University boosted its Final Four bid after sweeping University of Santo Tomas, 27-25, 25-20, 26-24, to move into a tie for third place in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the FilOil Centre.
The Lady Falcons improved to 7-5, matching the Golden Tigresses in the standings while gaining the head-to-head tiebreak after completing a preliminary-round sweep.
Adamson leaned on Shaina Nitura and Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi, who powered the offense in a win that kept the team ahead of fellow contenders Far Eastern University (6-5) and University of the Philippines (5-6) with two elimination games left.
The Lady Falcons, seeking their first Final Four appearance since 2023, have already surpassed last season’s six-win total.
Adamson closed out the match with composure in a tight third set. UST appeared poised to extend the contest after taking an 18-14 lead, but Adamson responded with a 6-2 run to tie the frame at 20-all.
The teams traded points before Nitura delivered a crosscourt hit to reach match point. Eloi Dote sealed the win with a block on Angge Poyos.
Adamson also pulled away late in the second set, turning a 20-all deadlock into a 25-20 finish behind a five-point burst highlighted by a Mordi ace and a Nitura attack.
Nitura led Adamson with 19 points while anchoring the defense with 14 excellent receptions and 10 digs. Mordi added 18 points, along with 11 receptions and five digs. Lhouiz Tuddao chipped in eight points, while setter Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets and seven points.
