Adamson University regained its winning form with a commanding 25-20, 25-15, 25-12 victory over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Falcons improved to a 2-1 record, tying the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons for second place in the eight-team standings.
It was a much-needed bounce-back win for Adamson after suffering a straight-sets loss to De La Salle last Saturday.
“I always remind them na we always start sa training natin. Kung ano yung mga lapses natin, doon natin trabahuhin para madali na lang sa game kung paano yung application,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
“And I encourage them always to set their mind every game, gabi pa lang, kung ano yung gagawin nila sa kinabukasang game.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, Mayang Nuique, and Jen Villegas fueled Adamson’s explosive 19-9 start in the second set, putting the team on the verge of a sweep.
The Lady Falcons showed no signs of slowing down in the third, opening with a dominant 15-4 run. That crushed any hopes of a comeback from the Lady Warriors, sealing the straight-sets victory in just one hour and 18 minutes.
“Kailangan naming madaanan yung mga challenges na ganon kasi hindi kami magli-learn kung hindi namin madadaanan yung mga ganon. If hindi namin makikilala si talo, paano namin makikilala si panalo?” said rookie standout Nitura, who led Adamson with 18 points on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 11 digs.
Nigerian wing hitter Mordi added 11 points, while Nuique, who transitioned from middle blocker to wing spiker, chipped in nine points.
Adamson dominated all scoring departments, outperforming UE in spiking (41-27), blocking (9-5), and service aces (5-1), while also committing fewer errors, 14-20.
Next up for the Lady Falcons is a showdown against last year’s silver medalist, the University of Santo Tomas, on Saturday at 2:00 PM, still at the Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite another strong effort from Van Bangayan and Khy Cepada, who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, the Lady Warriors remained winless in three games.
Meanwhile, libero Angelica Reyes anchored UE’s defense with 13 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
UE will look to secure its first win when it faces reigning champion National University on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
