Adamson bucked a lethargic start and kicked their offense into gear, dealing Ateneo a four-set 14-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-21 stunner in the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Parang blanko lahat noong first set. So ginawa namin kinalma muna namin,” Adamson head coach Lerma Giron said. “Sabi namin reset tayo ng second set, erase na natin yung first set. Let’s start fresh. So, nag-respond naman yung mga bata na-challenge sila.”
Reeling from a flat-footed onset, the Lady Falcons leaned on the troika of Trisha Genesis, Louie Romero, and Lucille Almonte as Adamson found its rhythm midway through the second set.
While Genesis set the tone from the service area, Almonte flaunted her double-edged arsenal as the Adamson duo drew strength from the setting of Romero. With the upstart trio weaving its magic, the Lady Falcons were able to mount a 2-1 set advantage.
However, the Lady Eagles displayed composure, snatching momentum and leading 16-13 in the fourth set after consecutive points courtesy of Ponggay Gaston.
But following a string of errors from Ateneo and a trade of blows, the match swung to a 21-all lock. From there, miscues spelled the difference yet again as Ateneo muffed back to back scoring opportunities before Genesis and Almonte put up the finishing touches.
“Walang panalong hindi pinaghihirapan. Kailangan kung gusto nilang manalo, they need to do extra, extra effort beyond sa effort na ginagawa ng kalaban,” Giron added.
Genesis shone the brightest for Adamson. She waxed hot from the service area, netting half of her team’s 12 aces en route to a game-high 19 points. She also collected nine excellent receptions.
Romero generated 28 excellent sets for the Lady Falcons, who rained down 43 attacks. The Adamson setter also tallied four points.
Almonte dispersed a triple-double of 14 points laced with 15 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
The Lady Falcons have soared atop the standings of Pool A with a spotless 4-0 card while handing the Lady Eagles their first loss of the conference.
On the other hand, Erika Raagas topped Ateneo with 16 points. Meanwhile, Ateneo playmaker Jaja Maraguniot tossed 16 excellent sets.
Ponggay Gaston and Vanie Gandler chipped in 12 and 11 markers, respectively. The former notched nine attacks and two service aces while the latter contributed a pair of kill blocks.
Prized rookie Faith Nisperos missed the marquee match as she was sick.
The Lady Falcons will look to complete an elimination round sweep when they face Letran on Saturday, September 14. On Sunday, Ateneo will try to get back in track against the skidding Perpetual Lady Altas. Both matches will be played at the same venue.
