The last time the University of the East Red Warriors won a game, the Admason University Falcons benefited greatly.
The Red Warriors had pulled an upset against the De La Salle University Green Spikers in Season 76, which allowed Adamson to remain in contention and eventually gain a seed in the Final Four.
It took two-and-a-half seasons, but the Soaring Falcons have finally returned the favor. In an error-filled encounter, the Red Warriors overcame Adamson in five sets, 25-23, 19-25, 19-25, 25-18, 16-14, to end a 35-game losing streak at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For most of the Red Warriors, it was the first win of their UAAP career. The win was especially fulfilling for skipper Edward Camposano, who had been carrying the team to no avail since he came in Season 77.
“Matagal na namin ‘tong tinatrabaho. Masarap sa pakiramdam. Parang may malaking weights na natanggal sa likod ko,” said Camposano. who led the UE Juniors program to four titles.
The Red Warriors had several close calls throughout the losing streak. They forced two games this season to five sets, but collapsed in the clutch.
Against Adamson, the Red Warriors fought and forced a fifth set. But, this time, the team came up with a splendid effort in the decider that saw them overcome match point once and take the win in a blaze.
Camposano tallied 20 points on 18-for-40 hitting, while Noel Alba added 18.
UE build momentum in their quest to get out of the bottom of the standings with a 1-7 record. They face the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers (3-5) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Jerome Sarmiento led the Falcons with 19 points, while Mike Sudaria and JP Yude each had 13.
The Falcons remain in sixth place with a 2-6 record. They take on the National University Bulldogs (7-1) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
UE (3) – Camposano 20, Alba 18, Iniferio 14, Lelic 13, Ortega 7, Adriano 4, Magdaong 2, Aljas 0, Imperial 0, Ernacio (L)
AdU (2) – Sarmiento 19, Sudaria 13, Yude 13, Alvarez 11, Ramirez 5, Pablico 3, Pletado 3, Jimenez 0, Miranda 0, Melgar (L)
