Adamson University denied University of the East its long-pursued first win with a thrilling five-set victory, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on a high note Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Coach Raffy Mosuela expressed satisfaction with the win, which snapped the Falcons’ four-game slump and reignited their push for a Final Four berth.
“Hopefully, sana ito na ‘yung start. Every team naman kasi nag-aadjust kaya nag-fifth set. It’s because may adjustments din ang UE. Sana mag-continue lang itong pagpapanalo namin,” said Mosuela after Adamson improved to 2-6 overall.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Soaring Falcons built three-point cushions multiple times in the deciding set, first at 7-4 and later at 13-10, but the Red Warriors refused to back down.
Rookie Roy Piojo’s crosscourt kill, followed by an Adamson error, brought UE within one, 12-13. However, that would be their final point. Piojo’s next attack sailed out, and Leo Coguimbal sealed the win with a solid quick attack, securing Adamson’s second victory of the season after two hours and 18 minutes of play.
Trailing 1-2 in sets, the Falcons played with urgency in the fourth, surging to an 18-11 lead to force a decider.
Setter Lourenz Domingo orchestrated Adamson’s offense masterfully, tallying 29 excellent sets and distributing the ball well enough to get five Falcons into double-digit scoring.
Coguimbal, a middle blocker, led Adamson with 17 points, including 12 attacks and five blocks. Jude Aguilar and Marc Paulino chipped in 15 points apiece.
“Mas dodoblehin namin sa ensayo at team skills din. Doon kami medyo lacking, and kailangan namin siya ma-overcome ngayong second round,” said Coguimbal on the adjustments needed to win more games moving forward.
Dan Gutierrez contributed 14 points, while Ricardo Obeda added 12 for the Falcons.
Adamson looks to build momentum when it faces Ateneo de Manila University next Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE remained winless after eight games and has now lost 15 straight matches dating back to the second round of Season 86.
Axel Defeo led the Red Warriors with 22 points, while rookie Raquim Aceron delivered 20 points and 23 excellent receptions.
UE will attempt to break its losing streak on Wednesday when it battles undefeated Far Eastern University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
