The Adamson University Soaring Flacons kept their grips tight on the highly-coveted second seed, taking care of the listless University of the East Red Warriors in four sets 25-19, 25-18, 21-25, 25-17 in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM MoA Arena.
For the first time this season, Adamson went with a starting six, benching graduating winger Bryan Saraza and high-flying middle hitter Dave Pletado for seldom-used JP Yude and JC David, respectively. Yude managed to earn his keep but the underwhelming David was immediately sent to the bench for Pletado.
Taking advantage of UE’s short near side blockers, Adamson went to their their open hitters Mike Sudaria amd Jerome Sarmiento religiously for high-percentage hits. The Falcons also punished UE’s uncoordinated attacks with sound blocking.
The Falcons converted a blistering 42 of their 104 attack attempts while scoring on 13 blocks to UE’s seven. The Warriors also greatly helped the Falcons with 35 unforced errors to AdU’s 24.
AdU team captain Mike Sudaria tallied a game-high 21 points off 21 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Sophomore Jerome Sarmiento added 13 markers while JP Yude and Pai Pablico had eight each.
Sudaria thought the Falcons played too much into UE’s mind games in the third set. “Nasobrahan lang kami sa angas. Hindi na nga kami nakakalamang, nag-aangas pa. Hindi dapat ganoon. Buti na lang naka-recover agad noong huling set.”
Sophomore open hitter Vince Abrot player different positions but still managed 15 points. Team captain Ed Camposano and Noel Alba each contributed 13.
Now at 9-3, the Falcons take an eight-day break before their higly-anticipated rematch with the 10-1 defending champs Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday, April 10 at SM MoA Arena. UE, 0-12, also takes on Ateneo on Wedneaday, April 6 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Sudaria 21, Sarmiento 13, Yude 8, Pablico 8, Pletado 7, Ramirez 4, David 0, Melgar 0, Mediolla (L)
UE (1) – Abrot 15, Alba 13, Camposano 13, Magdaong 4, Saguin 4, Lelic 2, Ortega 2, Aljas 1, Yen Cheung 1, Imperial 0, Pron (L), Inoferio (L)
