Adamson, St. Benilde keep perfect records alive in V-League

Shaina Nitura made a rousing V-League debut for Adamson University, while College of Saint Benilde held firm against a late rally by Colegio de San Juan de Letran as both squads preserved their spotless records in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Tuesday, August 12, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas in the SEA V.League, the Adamson sophomore outside hitter unleashed a 28-point explosion off 27 from attacks and one from a block to cruise the Lady Falcons past Far Eastern University in a five-set thriller, 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11.

Nitura came up big in the decider, firing five crucial points to give Adamson a 23-20 cushion before closing out the match and notching the team’s second straight win.

Head coach JP Yude admitted that passing woes in the middle frames nearly derailed their momentum but lauded the grit his players showed down the stretch.

“We started as a new group, and this is where we’re gaining our confidence. This is also where their character is really tested,” Yude said.

Frances Mordi backed Nitura with 15 points, while Lhouriz Tuddao and MG Del Moral chipped in eight each for Adamson, which now shares the tournament lead with Benilde. 

FEU’s Gerzel Petallo finished with 18 points, while Jaz Ellarina added 16, including seven blocks.

On the other hand, the Lady Blazers of Benilde improved to 2-0 after limiting a determined Letran side, led by newly appointed Finnish coach Aleksi Lahteenimaki, 25-14, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23.

Letran leaned on NCAA standout Gia Maquilang’s impressive triple-double — 21 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions — to push the match into a tight fourth set, eager to give their new mentor a winning debut after back-to-back NCAA Finals runs under former coach Oliver Almadro.

But Benilde’s middle blocker Zam Nolasco proved unstoppable at the net, delivering 21 points, including eight blocks, and sealing the one-hour, 41-minute contest with a crafty power tip.

Setter Chenae Basarte steered the offense with 24 excellent sets, paving the way for 52 total attack points. Rhea Densing contributed 13 points, while Kai Lleses chipped in eight for the Lady Blazers.