The Adamson University Lady Falcons hit a major milestone in their rebuild, conquering the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in five sets, 17-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 15-9, for their first win in the 2017 Women’s Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Falcons have scored their first win over UP since the second round of UAAP Season 77.
Both squads traded convincing set wins throughout the match, with neither sustaining the momentum from their set wins into the following frame. Continuing their steady trade of points into the fifth set, the Lady Falcons broke away from a 9-all tie and took a 14-9 lead, with Jema Galanza serving two aces and Eli Soyud providing three hits. UP’s Isa Molde then fired a hit straight into the net to end the match.
“It wasn’t pretty. I think the match went kinda like a roller-coaster. They came out strong and we turned it around. We knew going into this match that this was probably going to be our toughest match in the bracket. We needed this win and to start off on a strong note,” said Adamson head coach Airess Padda.
Transferee Eli Soyud finished with a career-best 27 points, while skipper Jema Galanza added 18.
Team captain Tots Carlos powered the Lady Maroons with 19 markers, while middle hitter Marian Buitre managed 16.
UP (0-1) face the Technological Institute of the Philippines (0-1) next Monday, while Adamson (1-0) take on NCAA champs Arellano University (1-0) on Saturday.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Soyud 27, Galanza 18, Dacoron 13, Perez 6, Permentilla 6, Emnas 4, Uy 1, Flora 0, Pinar 0, Ponce (L)
UP (2) – Carlos 19, Buitre 16, Molde 14, Dorog 6, Layug 4, Cailing 3, Ramos 2, Alinas 0, Escutin 0, Estrañero (L)
