Adamson University overcame a sluggish start in the third set to secure a 25-20, 25-12, 25-21 victory over University of the East, snapping a four-game losing streak and opening their UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament second-round campaign on a high note Saturday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The trio of Shaina Nitura, Mayang Nuique, and Barbie Jamili powered the Lady Falcons to a much-needed win, improving their record to 3-5 and breaking a previous tie with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
As of publishing, Ateneo is facing University of the Philippines in the final match of Saturday’s quadruple-header.
The victory also reaffirmed Adamson’s dominance over UE, whom they previously defeated in the first round with a 25-20, 25-15, 25-12 decision last February 26.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, we’ll continue to motivate and encourage them. Kailangan yung sa second round kasi, maraming bundok yung kailangan iahon kasi mahirap na ‘eh,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
“Pero sabi ko nga sa kanila, we’ll take it one game at a time. Focus tayo sa kada kalaban para mapag-aralan nang maayos and kahit mahirap, walang imposible.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE started strong in the third set, building a 16-12 lead, but Adamson responded with six straight points — highlighted by two Nuique quick attacks and a Jen Villegas ace — to reclaim an 18-16 advantage.
Beatrice Zamudio led the Lady Warriors’ final push, tying the set at 19-all, but clutch plays from Eloi Dote, Red Bascon, and Nitura sealed the Lady Falcons’ first win in five games.
Riding the momentum from a tight first-set finish, Adamson dominated the second frame, racing to a 17-7 lead and never looking back to establish a commanding 2-0 set advantage.
In the opening set, tied at 20-all, Adamson displayed remarkable composure, scoring five straight points. Back-to-back attack errors from Lauritz Ginoo and Van Bangayan — followed by three consecutive points from Bascon — secured the early lead for the Lady Falcons.
“We really learned a lot sa mga nangyari [nung first round] kasi crucial yung games namin, nananalo kami sa sets, pero hindi binibigay sa amin yung panalo. From there, doon kami nagle-learn at para mas maging eager kami ngayong second round na hindi lang dapat sets kinukuha namin. Kung kaya kumuha ng panalo, kumuha ng panalo,” Nitura said.
Fresh off a historic 38-point explosion against UP last Sunday, Nitura once again led Adamson, scoring 18 points on 17 attacks and one block while adding five excellent digs. Nuique contributed 11 points on eight attacks, two aces, and one block.
Jamili delivered nine points on seven attacks and two aces while also recording nine excellent digs, while Villegas chipped in eight points on three attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
Setter Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated Adamson’s offense with 14 excellent sets, while libero Juris Manuel provided stability on defense with nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.
The Lady Falcons will look to sustain their momentum when they face the Blue Eagles on Saturday, March 29, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the loss kept the Lady Warriors winless at 0-8.
Despite her struggles, Khy Cepada was the lone UE player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points along with six excellent digs. Bangayan, limited by Adamson’s defense, managed eight points on an inefficient 8-of-38 attacking clip, adding six excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Riza Nogales contributed eight points, highlighted by five blocks and three aces. Four of her blocks came in the first set, where the Recto-based squad put up a strong fight before faltering.
The Lady Warriors will seek their breakthrough victory against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, March 26, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
