Ever since moving up to the collegiate ranks, Adamson University opposite spiker Lance Flestado has been craving that breakout game in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament — one that would not only announce his arrival on the big stage but also help his team climb the standings.
It may have taken some time, but the 18-year-old newcomer finally delivered his best performance yet as a Soaring Falcon. He led the San Marcelino squad to a five-set victory over the University of the Philippines on Sunday with 28 points — 26 spikes, one service ace, and one block.
For the standout from Cauayan, Isabela, this game was the perfect way to close out his adjustment phase while entering the crucial part of Season 88 on a high note.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay God dahil nakabawi po ako this first round bago matapos ang first round. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa coaches na nagtiwala sa akin,” he said.
Flestado’s 28-point outing was by far his career best, considering his previous high was only six points against his high school alma mater, University of the East, last February 21.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
That loss to the Red Warriors came amid a five-game slump for the Soaring Falcons. But this win over the Fighting Maroons keeps Adamson in the hunt for a Final Four berth, with their 2–5 record not far behind fourth-placer Ateneo Blue Eagles’ 3–4 standing.
Flestado made sure to do his part to prevent Adamson from falling further behind in the postseason race.
“Unang-una po kasi, wala pa po akong masyadong na-co-contribute sa team simula nung first game namin. Every day, nagpe-pray ako na sana makapag-contribute man sana ako kahit kaunti. Siguro po dahil kay God,” he said.
With the entire second round ahead, Flestado and his teammates have everything to fight for as they aim to bring Adamson back to the Final Four for the first time since Season 81.
As with all UAAP teams, growth comes through experience—a lesson the Baby Falcons continue to learn under coach Raffy Mosuela’s system, now in only his second year at the helm.
This process is especially meaningful for Flestado, who was coached by Mosuela during his high school years at UE.
“Familiar na din po ako and may ibang situations na di ko pa nakukuha sa sistema ni coach. And yun lang po yung kailangan kong trabahuin,” he said.
#WATCH: ALWAYS KO PINAG-PRAY NA MAKAPAG-CONTRIBUTE AKO 🐦⬛
Rookie Lance Flestado says his familiarity with Raffy Mosuela’s system led to his 28-point explosion 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/6WAnL1GR2q
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/9RAxrbwPOk
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 15, 2026
