FEU, Adamson kick off Women’s V-League campaigns with strong wins

Far Eastern University and Adamson University opened their 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaigns in style.

The Lady Tamaraws, determined to move on from last season’s runner-up finish, cruised to a straight-sets win over Mapua University, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21, Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

FEU stayed composed throughout, with Congolese opposite Faida Bakanke taking charge in the third set. Locked at 15-all, she fired three consecutive aces to give the Lady Tamaraws breathing room, finishing with 12 points built on six attacks, three blocks, and three aces, including four digs.

Mitzi Panangin added 10 markers in the win. 

Senior setter and captain Tin Ubaldo steered FEU’s 6-2 closing run, capped by Gerzel Petallo’s down-the-line hit.

“Our goal this time wasn’t to get back at anyone, but to really improve from last time,” Ubaldo said in Filipino. “We didn’t focus solely on winning, but on the process of how we can win. For me, joining this tournament isn’t about redemption.”

Mapua’s Alyanna Ong and Zyra Morales had eight points each, but no Lady Cardinal hit double figures.

Adamson, meanwhile, overcame a slow start to defeat University of Perpetual Help, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-22. After errors marred the opening set, the Lady Falcons regrouped, with Eloi Dote scoring clutch points late in the fourth before Red Bascon’s block sealed the win in 76 minutes.

“It’s a great privilege for us to have the opportunity to join tournaments like this, so our players can gain experience,” said head coach JP Yude. “This is where the team’s chemistry will start to build, especially their relationship inside and outside the court.”

Frances Mordi starred with 22 markers, while rookie Abegail Segui added 17 and MG Del Moral chipped in eight in her debut. 

Perpetual’s Shai Omipon paced her team with 10 points in their second straight loss.