By: Nicole Gonzales
Ellaine Gonzalvo proved she can thrive under pressure, steering Adamson to a thrilling five-set victory over National University–Nazareth School and cementing the Baby Lady Falcons as the only undefeated team after the first round of the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament.
The San Marcelino-based squad prevailed, 22-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-16, 15-12, last Wednesday at Paco Arena.
As both teams battled point for point, it was Gonzalvo, Adamson’s outside hitter, who consistently rose to the occasion.
Only in her second season, she racked up 28 crucial points off 25 attacks, added two service aces, and recorded a kill block, emerging as the standout performer of the match.
“As a player, sobrang saya. Super, super, super saya kasi yung last point na yun, grabe yung pressure [sa akin], tapos naghahabol yung NU. Pero diniinan ko rin [yung palo], nandoon din yung tapang sa’kin,” said the UAAP Season 87 Rookie of the Year, who delivered the final two points to seal Adamson’s first-round sweep.
The clash carried extra weight, as both Adamson and NUNS entered the match with flawless 6-0 records. It made the encounter a battle between the last unbeaten teams while heightening anticipation.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Madaming preparation… Kahit hindi naman super habang preparation, kahit two days lang, madami na kaming pinrepare na ituturo ng coaches. Nag-viewing kami, siyempre tinyaga din namin sa training yun kung ano yung pinapakita namin performance dito. Ayun, pinaghandaan talaga,” Gonzalvo explained.
“So kami nag-expect kami, pinag-aralan namin sila. Nandoon yung kaba, pero andoon yung diin na kailangan talaga namin ma-sweep yung first round,” she added.
While Gonzalvo led the scoring, her teammates rallied around her, with Kristal Martin contributing 19 points and Francheska Adem adding 12, as they went head-to-head against the Diza Berayo-led Bullpups.
NUNS posted 14 blocks for the match while Adamson recorded 12, but Gonzalvo’s ability to adjust her attacks proved decisive.
“Ang ginawa kong adjustment, dinidiin talaga ako ng coaches na ‘ganito gawin mo, habaan mo, gan’to gano’n.’ Ginawa ko lang talaga is tinapangan ko,” she said.
Beyond skill and strategy, Gonzalvo acknowledged the guidance of their coaches and their faith. Her leadership helped deliver the defending champions their first loss of the season.
“Siyempre hindi lang kami yung gumawa nito, mga coaches at lalong lalo na si God. Parang kami lang yung gagawa, [pero] Siya yung may plano nito [para] sa amin,” Gonzalvo concluded.
