Falcons, Tigresses eye finals encounter

Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas (UST), the V-League’s most recent champions, seek to arrange a Collegiate Challenge finals duel as they go for the kill in their respective Game 2 semifinal matches on Saturday at the Filoil Centre.

Now at full strength with Alas standout Shaina Nitura back in the lineup, the Lady Falcons look to book a second straight championship appearance when they face University of the East at 5 p.m.

After avenging their preliminary-round loss, the Reg Jurado-led Tigresses aim to wrap up their series and secure a return trip to the Finals when they take on Arellano University at 3 p.m.

Adamson and UST last met in a Sports Vision-organized championship series in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Challenge, where the Lady Falcons swept the Tigresses. The two University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) rivals also crossed paths in the old V-League’s 2009 Second Conference Finals, with UST emerging triumphant over Adamson via a two-match sweep.

Nigerian Frances Mordi erupted for 22 points, while Nitura made her return in the third set and hammered five kills as the Lady Falcons opened their semifinal series with a 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 victory over the Lady Warriors last Wednesday.

Adamson coach JP Yude reminded his wards of what they need to do to close out the series in Game 2.

"Always respect the opponent and let's not drop our energy. Always aggressive, really," Yude said, noting the Lady Falcons’ slow start before they escaped with the first set and dominated the next two.

UE, meanwhile, will look for more production from Van Bangayan, who has already posted two 30-point performances in the tournament. Bangayan struggled in Game 1, converting just 8-of-29 attacks, as rookie Janessa Buhay stepped up with 12 points.

The trio of Jurado, Marga Altea, and Angge Poyos, meanwhile, combined for 45 points in the Tigresses’ 25-12, 25-18, 25-13 rout of the Lady Chiefs.

Despite gaining the psychological advantage of winning the opener, UST coach Shaq Delos Santos reminded his players to remain focused on the potential clincher and continue polishing their game.

"I guess we need to be precise in everything we do. Of course, this is a bigger factor for us to work even harder in Game 2. Because this shouldn't be a reason to relax or anything. I guess we just need to be even more eager to perform well," Delos Santos said.

In the men’s division, Far Eastern University and National University, new-age rivals in the UAAP, seek to set up an explosive best-of-three title series as they face their respective semifinal opponents again in Game 2.

The Tamaraws, who tamed National Collegiate Athletic Association holders College of Saint Benilde, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22, in the opener, are determined to keep the Blazers from extending their undefeated run when they meet at noon.

Coming off a 25-19, 25-14, 25-23 sweep of Letran, the Bulldogs seek to deliver the dagger against the Knights in the 10 a.m. curtain-raiser.

Game 3s, if necessary, will be played on Sunday.