Adamson University defeated Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-17, 27-25, 25-16, to stake a claim on the fourth spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Lady Falcons now share fourth place with the UST Golden Tigresses, both holding 5-4 records.
“For us, we need to be consistent always talaga sa aming ginagawa, especially galing kami sa talo nung nakaraan. So kailangan naming bumawi and kailangan naming mag-grind talaga nang todo, hard work, so that makapasok kami sa Final Four,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
“Crucial games na yung mga natitira, so we need to be more consistent and mentally tough every time on how we will respond sa every situation,” the former Soaring Falcon added.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Lady Falcons weathered a fierce challenge from the Blue Eagles in the second set, leaning on their ace scorer Shaina Nitura.
Knotted at 25, Nitura first delivered an off-the-block kill for Adamson’s third set point. She then sealed the set with a service ace down the line, giving the Lady Falcons a 2-0 lead.
That tight second-set victory gave Adamson a surge of momentum heading into the third, where they opened with a blistering 9-2 run.
Adamson will next face last-place University of the East, aiming to score its first winning streak of the season at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
“Sa tingin ko po, the only thing naman na magagawa ko for the team is to be consistent as well. To start the consistency, do the work so that they can see the work and makapag-follow din sila,” said Nitura, who tallied 25 points on 19 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, along with 15 receptions.
Nigerian Frances Mordi added 15 points on 12 spikes, two aces, and a block, while contributing 12 receptions, and Eloi Dote chipped in six points.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Ateneo, Zel Tsunashima and Alex Montoro scored nine points each as the Blue Eagles fell to 1-8.
Ateneo will next face defending champion National University, also on Saturday at QPav.
