Adamson Clinches Final Four Spot with Sweep of FEU

Adamson University secured a return to the UAAP Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four for the first time in three years, defeating Far Eastern University 25-20, 25-22, 25-23 on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Lady Falcons finished the Season 88 elimination round with a 9-5 record, currently sitting in third place, with other top-five teams still having games to play.

Adamson’s impressive finish included key victories over fellow Final Four contenders University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, and FEU, ensuring their semifinal spot.

“I’m really happy and blessed with how my players performed today. They responded to every situation really well. Our game was up and down, but we didn’t give up. We kept pushing until the end,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. “Just like how the Lord rose again after three days, we rose again after three years.”

This marks Adamson's first semifinal appearance since Season 85, where they won the bronze medal. After that, the program underwent a rebuild, struggling through two seasons with only nine combined wins.

Shaina Nitura, the standout of the resurgence, led the way in this crucial victory with 18 points, including 12 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, alongside 10 receptions and six digs.

With a slim 23-22 lead in the third set, Nitura executed a key pipe attack to set up match point. FEU briefly stayed in the game after Fhei Sagaysay served long, but Adamson sealed the win when Nitura set up Third Tuddao for the match-ending quick attack.

A brief review by the Lady Tamaraws, questioning whether Sagaysay had crossed the centerline during her set, was unsuccessful, confirming Adamson’s spot in the Final Four to the delight of the home crowd.

“I’m so grateful for how the team responded today. We knew it would be tough, but our coaches reminded us that no matter how poorly we played, as long as we found a way to win, that’s all that matters,” said Nitura, who was greeted with MVP chants during the match.

Nigerian outside hitter Frances Mordi contributed 12 points, eight digs, and six receptions, while Tuddao added 10 points, six attacks, and four blocks.

FEU, now at 7-6, dropped to fifth place and faces a must-win match against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, while also needing favorable outcomes in UST’s remaining games to stay in the Final Four hunt.

Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 11 points, nine receptions, and five digs, while Alyzza Devosora added nine points. FEU's 25 errors, seven more than Adamson, also hurt their chances in this crucial match.