Adamson, UST clash in F4 knockout duel
Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas collide in a do-or-die UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder duel on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the winner advancing for a shot at a title series slot.
Despite sweeping UST in the elimination round with two straight-set wins, Adamson faces a different challenge in the 3 p.m. knockout match, where the loser is eliminated from title contention.
The winner advances to a clash with No. 2 National University, the two-time defending champion, with the winner of that match earning a slot in the best-of-three Finals opposite La Salle.
The Lady Spikers marched into the Finals outright after completing a 14-0 sweep of the eliminations. The championship series starts May 6.
Wednesday’s matchup features a duel between two of the league’s top scorers—Adamson’s Shai Nitura and UST’s Angge Poyos—highlighting the offensive firepower on both sides.
Queen Falcon
Nitura has led the Lady Falcons with support from Frances Mordi and Joy Aseo, along with setter Fhei Sagaysay, as Adamson reached its first Final Four since Season 85 in 2023.
Adamson coach JP Yude said his team remains focused on preparation and consistency. “We just keep working every day and trust where that leads us,” Yude said.
The Lady Falcons’ second-round win over UST—a tight 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 result—underscored the competitiveness of the matchup.
“Now that we’re in the Final Four, it will be harder because these are the best teams. But we won’t back down. We’ll keep working and respond to whatever comes,” Nitura said.
UST, coming off a playoff win over Far Eastern University, looks to extend its campaign behind returning coach Shaq delos Santos.
“We’ll draw strength from our previous games against Adamson and focus on improving, especially our serve-receive and consistency in attack,” Delos Santos said.
“It starts in training. We have to go all out with no doubts and no reservations,” Tigresses team captain and libero Detdet Pepito said.
