Nitura Powers Adamson to Sweep Over UP, One Win Away from Semis

Adamson University shut the door on the University of the Philippines' Final Four hopes with a dominant 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 sweep, strengthening its own push in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The victory lifted the Lady Falcons to an 8-5 record, securing solo third place ahead of the idle FEU Lady Tamaraws and UST Golden Tigresses, both at 7-5.

“We just stuck to what we trained for during preparation. We always tell the players to stay focused because anything can happen,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.

Shai Nitura led the way with a spectacular 26-point performance, powered by 23 kills from 42 attempts, three blocks, six digs, and six receptions. She ignited in the second and third sets, scoring nine and ten points, respectively.

With the third set tied at 11-all, Adamson took control with a 14-5 closing run. Nitura, Joy Aseo, and Frances Mordi combined to finish the match in just 68 minutes, mirroring their first-round sweep of UP, which also ended in straight sets with identical scores but in a different order.

The Soaring Falcons are now one win away from securing their first Final Four spot since Season 85 in 2023.

“We’re really focused on ourselves, on how we’re going to respond to challenges and what we need to do to win,” said Nitura. “We just focus on responding well and coming out with a win.”

Aseo added 10 points, including four service aces, while Eloi Dote chipped in seven. Fhei Sagaysay impressed with 21 excellent sets and four points, matching Nitura’s three blocks.

For UP, which dropped to a 5-8 record and will miss the Final Four for the eighth consecutive season, Kianne Olango was the lone bright spot with 13 points. Irah Jaboneta contributed five points, and Niña Ytang added four. UP will close its season on Sunday against UST at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.