Adamson University Lady Falcons took control of its V-League Collegiate Challenge semifinal series after dispatching University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17, in Game 1 on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.
The defending champions now need just one more victory to book a return to the Finals. They will get their chance on Saturday, October 3, at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
With Alas Pilipinas captain and spiker Shaina Nitura back in the lineup, Adamson quickly regained the form that carried it to the top of the standings during the preliminary round.
Frances Mordi spearheaded the Lady Falcons’ attack, delivering 22 points on 16 kills, three blocks and three aces. She also contributed 10 excellent receptions.
Adamson broke away from a tight opening set after the teams reached 23-all. Mordi then came through with a kill to give the Lady Falcons the advantage before they secured the frame and took early control of the match.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Adamson establishing a 17-10 cushion before finishing off UE.
The Lady Falcons then pulled away in the third, with consecutive Mordi kills stretching their lead to 19-12. UE could not mount a sustained comeback as Adamson closed out the straight-set victory.
“Siguro, number one thing is yung kumpiyansa na nanalo today. And then, how we worked on doon sa mga lapses at pag-adjust namin. Nag-adjust sila agad,” Adamson coach JP Yude said.
Despite the commanding result, Yude said the defending champions still have areas to address before the next game.
“But I’m not really satisfied kasi I know them, how they can play, so ‘yon, we’ll work on that,” he added.
Abi Segui and Bella Sapienza provided an important lift off the bench, with Sapienza delivering timely attacks while Adamson’s setters repeatedly found Segui and Mordi in crucial stretches.
Eloi Dote finished with seven points, including five blocks. Lhouriz Tuddao and Lana Barrera added six points each. Nitura also made an impact in the third set, scoring five attack points while contributing two digs and an excellent reception.
Janessa Buhay led the Lady Warriors with 12 points, including 11 attacks, while veteran Van Bangayan was held to eight points.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses also moved closer to a finals return after a 25-12, 25-18, 25-13 victory over Arellano University Lady Chiefs in Game 1 of their series.
Angeline Poyos showed offensive efficiency the entire game with 19 points to be named Player of the Game as the Golden Tigresses took a 1-0 edge in the best-of-three series.
