DEFENDING champion Adamson University Lady Falcons kept its perfect record intact after a 24-26, 25-17, 25-18, 25-23 win over College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Lady Falcons improved to 4-0 and need just one more victory to officially book a place in the semifinals.
Adamson showed its composure in the closing stretch, especially in the fourth set when the Blazers mounted a late challenge and threatened to extend the match.
The Lady Falcons had three opportunities to finish the contest, but Benilde’s defense repeatedly kept the ball alive and frustrated Frances Mordi’s attempts to deliver the clinching point.
With the score tied at 24-all, Mordi finally broke through to put Adamson back in front before Kamille Dionisio ended the match with a kill block.
“Thankful sa Lord and grateful of how the girls responded sa tough times and every time, kung sino man lang ipasok sa court. And that’s all I wanted: that everyone helps the team, that everyone contributes to the team,” Adamson coach JP Yude said.
Mordi led all scorers with 23 points, built on 20 attacks, two blocks and an ace, while Lana Barrera contributed 16 points and eight excellent receptions in another all-around performance.
Fhei Sagaysay and Ysabella Sapienza also helped keep Adamson’s offense organized, combining for 24 excellent sets.
Benilde received a 15-point effort from Mhonniecka Soliven, who led three Lady Blazers in double figures, but the team’s 29 errors prevented it from sustaining its challenge against the defending champions.
Meanwhile, San Beda University Lady Red Spikers finally entered the win column after outlasting Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights 18-25, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 18-16.
The Lady Red Spikers survived a tense deciding set to improve to 1-2 in the tournament, with Angel Habacon, Daisy Cagas and Kim Culanay delivering key plays in the closing stretch. (Adrian Co)
