ADAMSON University opened its title defense in style, sweeping the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25–21, 25–18, 25–22, in the continuing 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Playing without reigning UAAP MVP Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons turned to Nigerian outside hitter Frances Mordi, who delivered when it mattered most, particularly during a tight second-set opening and the decisive stretch of the third frame.
Mordi finished with a match-high 20 points on 16 kills, two service aces, and a block. Her aces helped Adamson take control in the second set, while her rejection sealed the victory in the third.
"First of all, I thank God that we got this win. Also I'm happy na nakuha namin 'yung first game. I'm happy with their performance, that whoever I call on, they performed well," said head coach JP Yude.
”For us, in this tournament, we always gain experience and learnings that we will bring with us to the UAAP," he added.
Lana Barrera chipped in 12 points while filling in for Nitura for two sets, while Lhouriz Tuddao impressed in her debut as an opposite hitter with nine markers.
The Lady Falcons will next test the mettle of the new-look University of the East Lady Warriors on Aug. 23 at 3 p.m.
For Perpetual, Cyrille Almeñiana made a strong start but was eventually contained by Adamson's defense and finished with eight points.
The Lady Altas will look to bounce back against San Beda University on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m., still at Gameville Central Park.
Meanwhile, National University showed immense championship composure to deny rivals University of Santo Tomas a comeback, 25–16, 25–15, 20–25, 22–25, 16–14, and open its V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on a rousing note on Saturday.
Playing with its Alas Pilipinas quartet of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Buds Buddin, and Jade Disquitado for the first time in three campaigns, the Bulldogs leaned on the same players to finish the nearly two-hour battle. TMT
