Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Lady Falcons and Golden Tigresses Punch Final Four Tickets
The semifinal lineup is officially set, and what a finish to the elimination round! Defending champion Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) claimed the last two semifinal spots in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, wrapping up the preliminary stage in style.
The Lady Falcons secured the No. 1 overall seed after dispatching San Beda University in straight sets, 26–24, 25–19, 25–19, finishing the eliminations with an impressive 6–1 win-loss record. Shortly after, UST punched the final Final Four ticket with a clinical 25–23, 25–16, 25–16 sweep of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
Mordi Powers Adamson Past Gritty San Beda
San Beda came out firing and pushed the defending champions to the limit in an electric opening frame! But Adamson held their nerve in the deuce before stepping on the gas in the next two sets. Standout hitter Mordi led the charge with a match-high 17 points off 15 kills, one block, and one ace, alongside seven excellent receptions.
Joy Aseo provided steady secondary scoring with 13 markers and nine excellent receptions, while Lhouriz Tuddao chipped in nine points and seven digs. Assistant coach Wayne Marco, who stepped in while head coach JP Yude was handling Ateneo's high school squad, emphasized that the team's mental discipline will be crucial as they aim for back-to-back crowns.
“How to adjust pa rin every game; aral pa rin kung sino ‘yung makakalaban. And papaano kami mag-re-respond sa game,” said Marco. “Gusto naming ma-overcome nila ‘yung pag-commit ng error after an error... Gusto namin ma-keep yung pacing namin hanggang matapos ‘yung game.”
San Beda ended their campaign at 3–4, just one win away from a playoff berth. Daisy Cagas led the Lady Red Spikers with eight points, while Khim Culanay added six.
Altea, Jurado Deliver as UST Sweeps Benilde
In the final matchup of the day, UST showed tremendous poise after nearly letting a comfortable lead slip in the opening set. The Golden Tigresses tightened their floor defense and unleashed balanced attacking runs in frames two and three to shut down the Lady Blazers.
Marga Altea was phenomenal at the net, pacing UST with 15 points on 11 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while team captain Reg Jurado tallied a gritty 14-point, 11-dig double-double. Sophomore star Angge Poyos contributed eight points, eight digs, and five excellent receptions.
“Happy lang kami and siyempre blessed kasi ‘yung elimination namin, ‘yung start namin talagang up-and-down,” UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos noted. “Good thing is na-test din namin ‘yung mga players namin na bago. Yun kasi yung goal namin, makita namin ‘yung reaction nila, ‘yung performance nila ‘pag nasa game na mismo.”
Benilde finished their tournament run at 2–5, with Cam Bartolome delivering 13 points as the squad's lone double-digit scorer.
What's Next in the V-League Knockout Rounds?
With Adamson capturing the No. 1 seed and UST completing the quartet, the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge shifts into its high-stakes playoff phase. All eyes will be on whether the Lady Falcons can maintain their blistering pace or if UST and the rest of the Final Four field can mount a championship upset!
