After scoring just six points last Saturday, Adamson University team captain Jema Galanza erupted for 26 points to power the Lady Falcons to a five-set triumph over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, 21-25, 15-12, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Falcons notched their first win over the Lady Tams since the first round of Season 78, which also came in five sets.
Both squads had their fair share of sloppy play throughout the match. With the Lady Falcons up 2-1 in sets, the Lady Tamaraws went on a 12-5 blitz to open the fourth set. Adamson slowly climbed back, finding their groove when FEU’s offense stalled and allowed them to force a 20-all tie. Adamson, however, lost grip after back-to-back Chiara Permentilla attack errors launched the Lady Tams’ 5-1 rally to force a decider.
In a game marred by shaky play, the Lady Tams had the final collapse. FEU’s defense fell apart, taking the set from a 7-all tie to a 14-10 Adamson lead. FEU threatened to extend, but graduating Lady Falcon Jema Galanza punctuated the match with crushing down-the-line blast.
“I think we just did a better job of passing. In the fourth set, FEU really got the jump on us and it took a lot for us to recover,” said Adamson head coach Air Padda
“That fifth set my players showed great composure. Kudos to FEU, I’ve always had great respect for their program. It’s big for us to finally get one over them,” the American mentor added.
Galanza also had 15 digs and 17 excellent receptions. Returning veteran Mylene Paat added 13 points while Joy Dacoron managed 12 markers for the Lady Falcons. FEU finished with a 14-5 block advantage, but relinquished 66 attacks to Adadamson.
Bernadeth Pons did everything but set for FEU, tallying 22 points, 16 digs, and 13 excellent receptions.
Both teams see action again on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Adamson (1-1) take on the UP Lady Maroons (1-0) while FEU (1-1) faces defending champion La Salle (1-0).
The Scores
AdU (3) – Galanza 26, Paat 13, Dacoron 12, Permentilla 11, Emnas 6, Soyud 5, Perez 3, Flora 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
FEU (2) – Pons 22, Basas 18, Domingo 10, Guino-o 7, Villareal 7, Malabanan 5, Negrito 3, Carandag 1, Cayuna 1, Hernandez 0, Atienza (L)
