ADAMSON kept its grip on the women’s crown while National University completed a stunning comeback to reclaim the men’s title in the V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Lady Falcons dispatched University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, to complete their title defense, while the Bulldogs erased a two-set deficit to stun Far Eastern University, 23-26, 19-25, 30-28, 25-21, 16-14, in a winner-take-all Game 3.
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Frances Mordi and Shaina Nitura powered Adamson’s championship-clinching victory with 21 points apiece, with Mordi sweeping the season MVP and Finals MVP awards.
The Lady Falcons also claimed Best Setter honors through Fhei Sagaysay and Best Opposite Spiker recognition for Lhouriz Tuddao. Eloi Dote and Janna Dizon shared Best Middle Blocker, while Mordi and UST’s Angge Poyos split Best Outside Spiker honors. UE’s Angge Reyes was named Best Libero.
Adamson had to adjust early after Sagaysay suffered a right ankle injury in the opening set, with Bella Sapienza stepping in to deliver 19 excellent sets.
NU's championship comeback
NU, meanwhile, refused to fold after falling behind two sets to FEU, which was chasing a third straight championship.
The Bulldogs clawed back to force a decider, then overturned a 6-12 deficit in the fifth set to complete the comeback. Rookie RK Medino delivered three of NU’s final four points, finishing with a game-high 25 points.
Jade Disquitado was named Finals MVP after tallying 17 points and 24 excellent receptions, while FEU’s Dryx Saavedra took home season MVP and Best Opposite Spiker honors despite the Tamaraws’ defeat.
Saavedra and Disquitado shared Best Outside Spiker recognition. FEU’s Doula Ndongala and Letran’s Vince Himzon split Best Middle Blocker honors, while FEU’s Rhodson Du-ot and Letran’s Luke Cordero were named Best Setter and Best Libero, respectively.
Adamson’s repeat and NU’s comeback capped contrasting championship runs, with the Bulldogs ending a four-year wait for another V-League crown and denying FEU a three-peat.
Tighten the awards paragraphLead with the two champions
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