Needing each victory to keep pace with Ateneo, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons stayed in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball Final Four after dashing the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-14, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Adamson collected their ninth win in 13 matches, tied at third with Ateneo and two games behind FEU (9-2) for the second seed.
Graduating skipper Pao Pablico is hoping for the best in regards to grabbing the two seed, but he knows it’s out of his team’s hands.
“Sa amin, kailangan lang namin na maging maganda ‘yung panapos namin kasi hindi namin hawak ‘yung lalaruin ng FEU. Mas focused na lang kami sa lahat [ng] games namin,” said Pablico, who led the Falcons over La Salle with 18 points.
Leo Miranda added 13 points, while George Labang added 10 to pace the Falcons.
Graduating Cris Dumago topped the Green Spikers with 18 points from 17-for-49 attacking. Rookie Billie Anima added 10.
Adamson finish the elimination round against the Ateneo de Manila University on April 28. La Salle (3-9) take on the Far Eastern University on April 24. Both matches will be played at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Pablico 18, Miranda 13, Labang 10, Alicando 9, Bello 8, Jimenez 6, Alvarez 3, Nuguid 0, Valdez (L)
DLSU (1) – Dumago 18, Anima 10, Reyes 9, Aquio 4, Bacon 3, Balanong 3, De Jesus 1, Marco 1, Inocentes 0, Serrano 0, Macaspac (L)