Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Lady Falcons Overcome Deficit to Move Within One Win of Back-to-Back Titles
What an absolute classic to open the Finals! Defending champion Adamson University pulled off a sensational comeback to stun the University of Santo Tomas (UST), 22-25, 25-19, 16-25, 27-25, 15-12, in Game 1 of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Staring down a 1-2 set deficit and facing match point in the fourth set, the Lady Falcons displayed unbelievable grit to turn the match around. With the thrilling five-set triumph, Adamson stands just one victory away from securing back-to-back V-League titles!
Making the victory even more impressive, Adamson completed the comeback without reigning UAAP MVP Shaina Nitura, who sat out after wrapping up her national team duties with Alas Pilipinas in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
“We thank the Lord for this win, for the strength ng mga bata na binigay ni Lord. For me, I’m very happy with how they performed this game kasi kahapon medyo nag-aaway-away pa kami sa ensayo, eh,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. “Pero because of the—’yun nga, ’yung training namin—ni-ready kami ni Lord for that situation kahapon sa training kasi itong fifth set pala ’yung magiging game namin. So, very happy and very glad.”
Clutch Plays Deliver Decisive Fifth Set for Adamson
Adamson refused to back down when UST held a match-clinching opportunity at 24-23 in the fourth frame. Lhouriz Tuddao, Lana Barrera, Eloi Dote, and Frances Mordi banded together to snatch the extended fourth set, 27-25, and force a do-or-die decider.
In the final frame, the Lady Falcons capitalized on critical breaks. Clinging to a 10-9 edge, Adamson gained cushion after an attack error by UST's Marga Altea and a crafty push shot from setter Fhei Sagaysay to make it 12-9. Mordi then unloaded a booming cross-court hammer to hand Adamson match point at 14-12.
Angge Poyos momentarily kept UST alive with an off-the-block hit, but Sagaysay kept her cool under immense pressure, dishing a pinpoint pass to Janna Dizon for the match-ending quick kill!
Mordi and Aseo Power the Offense
Mordi spearheaded Adamson's attack with a team-high 24 points built on 21 kills, two blocks, and an ace, alongside 11 excellent receptions. Joy Aseo provided heavy fire of her own, firing 19 points entirely off attacks.
Playmaker Sagaysay orchestrated the offense smoothly with 28 excellent sets while adding four points. Libero Juris Manuel anchored the backline with 12 excellent digs and 11 receptions. Tuddao contributed 12 points and 11 digs, while Dote chipped in eight points, including three blocks.
For the Golden Tigresses, Regina Jurado put up a heroic 25-point performance with 19 spikes, three blocks, and three aces to go with 19 digs. Poyos added 17 markers and 11 receptions, while Altea and Blessing Unekwe scored 13 and 10 points, respectively.
What's Next?
Adamson can wrap up the championship series in Game 2 on Friday at 2:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, while UST will fight to keep its title hopes alive and force a deciding Game 3.
