Photo: Shakey’s Super League
MANILA — Adamson University fell short of a finals berth after suffering a straight-set loss to the University of Santo Tomas, 22-25, 22-25, 20-25, in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup semifinals on Sunday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Falcons struggled to break through UST’s towering net defense, which proved to be the biggest difference in the match. Despite a gritty effort to stay within striking distance in all three sets, Adamson was unable to sustain momentum against the well-organized Tigresses.
Team captain Shaina Nitura spearheaded the Adamson offense with 14 points built on 13 attacks, while Frances Mordi chipped in 10 markers. However, the Lady Falcons could not find consistent answers to UST’s blocking wall that tallied 12 kill blocks overall.
Adamson kept pace in the opening frame but faltered in the closing stretch as UST’s front line repeatedly denied their attacks. In the second set, the Lady Falcons fought back from several deficits only to be halted by costly errors in the endgame. The third set saw Adamson attempting a late rally, cutting a five-point lead to three, before UST sealed the match with back-to-back blocks.
Despite the setback, Adamson’s campaign remains alive as the team heads to the battle for bronze against Far Eastern University. The Lady Falcons—winners of the National Invitationals Cebu Leg, respectively—aim to finish strong and secure a podium finish in the tournament.
The bronze medal match is scheduled for November 8 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
