Adamson University snapped a five-game slump by defeating University of the Philippines in four tight sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, to secure its first win of the second round in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With the victory, the Soaring Falcons forged a three-way tie for sixth place with fellow eliminated teams Fighting Maroons and UE Red Warriors — all holding identical 3-10 records. Still, the San Marcelino-based squad hopes to close out its campaign on a high note.
“Ang instruction lang naman sa team: bigyan natin ng pride ‘yung school. Huwag natin ipakita na nakachamba lang tayo nung first round — ulitin natin,” said Adamson head coach Raffy Mosuela, who also recalled their earlier first-round win over UP.
“I-push natin ang sarili natin na itong second round, kahit hindi na makapasok sa Final Four, still ongoing ang season, so bigyan natin ng pride ang school.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Fighting Maroons came out strong in the fourth set, racing to a 9-4 lead to threaten a deciding fifth set.
However, the Soaring Falcons clawed their way back to keep the match within reach down the stretch.
Adamson then showed greater composure in the closing moments, with Richard Besorio’s smart push shot tying the game at 23-all.
Living up to their billing as the league’s third-best blocking team, the Falcons moved to match point after Leo Coguimbal denied Olayemi Raheem’s spike.
A strong serve by Lourenz Domingo then forced a poor reception from UP, leading to an out-of-system attempt by Tommy Castrodes that failed to cross the net, sealing Adamson’s win in two hours and six minutes.
Besorio, a rookie from Iloilo, led all scorers with 23 points built on 20 attacks and three blocks, along with 12 excellent receptions. Coguimbal anchored the net defense with a match-high six blocks to go with nine attacks for a 15-point outing.
Domingo also impressed with 19 excellent sets, alongside eight digs and seven points.
Adamson will wrap up its campaign on Saturday at the same UST venue against league-leading Far Eastern University.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Castrodes paced the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, 14 receptions, and eight digs, while Raheem and Milven Francisco added 16 and 14 points, respectively.
UP will close its season against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
