Adamson University eliminated University of the East in straight sets, 25-15, 25-18, 28-26, thanks to a furious comeback in the third set, continuing their rise in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
To complete the sweep, the Lady Falcons needed to show immense composure and claw their way out of an 8-16 deficit in the third set.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Capitalizing on UE’s errors and the timely hits of Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, Adamson turned a 16-21 count into a 24-all tie.
However, Nigerian open hitter Blessing Unekwe hammered two consecutive spikes that went out of bounds, giving the Lady Warriors the apparent set, 26-24. But Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude came up clutch.
Yude called for a net fault challenge on what could have been UE’s set-winning point. The review confirmed the call, tying the score at 25.
The win marked Adamson’s first winning streak of the season. The Lady Falcons are now just half a game behind joint-second placers Far Eastern University and National University at 6-3, raising their record to solo fourth at 6-4, ahead of an idle University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at 5-4.
Head coach JP Yude acknowledged the need for his team to continue polishing their game at this crucial stage of the tournament.
“Hindi pa naman tapos. Kaya natin at hindi tayo matatalo sa set na ito. I believe naman sa mga bata on how they respond sa ganoong sitwasyon, unti-unti nag-grow naman sila. Binigyan talaga kami ng magandang laban ng UE, appreciate din namin sila kasi nabuild ‘yung character namin during that set,” said Yude.
“Thank you, Lord, talaga ‘yung challenge na ’yon kasi pagpalo ni Frances, nakita kong gumalaw ‘yung net, eh, so hindi ako nag-atubili sa pagpapatay ng bola; nag-challenge agad ako. With the help talaga ng Panginoon na nakita ko ‘yung bagay na yun,” he added about his clutch challenge.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
After the teams exchanged points, Third Tuddao and Nitura finished the match with back-to-back hits, sealing the win in one hour and 38 minutes.
Mordi led the Lady Falcons with 18 points, six receptions, and six digs. Nitura added 13 points despite an 8-of-39 attack performance but contributed three blocks, two aces, nine digs, and eight receptions.
Tuddao recorded nine points, including five spikes, three blocks, and an ace, while rookie opposite hitter Abby Segui had seven points and an impressive 9-of-11 digs.
Adamson will face National University on Easter Sunday at the same venue.
For UE, Khy Cepada carried the fight with 14 points on 14-of-62 attacks, while Keshia Famulagan and Bea Zamudio contributed six and five points, respectively. Captain Van Bangayan was limited to just two points.
The Lady Warriors are officially out of contention for the Final Four with a 0-10 record and will aim for their first win against the Golden Tigresses on Easter Sunday.
