The Adamson University Soaring Falcons stayed on top of the early UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament standings, toppling the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a rousing first set win, the Falcons late comeback attempt in the second frame fell short, as La Salle’s Cris Dumago converted back row kills to eke out the win. The Green Spikers controlled much of the third set, taking a 16-12 lead before the Falcons rallied. Behind tremendous transition play and blocking from middle hitter Mark Alvarez, Adamson took a 21-17 advantage. From there, graduating captain Pao Pablico put on the finishing touches, scoring three of Adamson’s last four points.
The fourth frame quickly turned to the Falcons’ favor after a series of bad La Salle passes opened the door for Adamson to nourish an insurmountable 10-5 cushion.
Three Falcons scored in double-digits, with Pablico tallying 18 points off 16 attacks a block and an ace. Lefty George Labang added 17 markers, while Alvarez finished with 16.
“Nag-stick pa rin kami sa plan namin na gaya noong sa UST sa service, sa receive at sa blockings…. Talagang nag-focus kami sa depensa namin kasi yun talaga ang ikakapanalo namin,” said Pablico, referring to their rousing opening day win over the University of Santo Tomas.
“Lalo kami ang pinakamaliit kumpara sa ibang teams, kaya nag-focus kami sa baba, sa receive saka sa service, para ‘di kami mahirapan sa blockings,” the PVL MVP added.
Dumago was La Salle’s lone double-digit scorer with 18 points.
Both teams play their next matches on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Adamson (2-0) take on University of the East Red Warriors, while La Salle (0-2) try for their first win against the National University Bulldogs (1-1).
The Scores
AdU (3) – Pablico 18, Labang 17, Alvarez 16, Bello 8, Alicando 6, Bello 3, Jimenez 2, Nuguid 0, Valdez (L)
DLSU (1) – Dumago 18, Anima 9, Delos Reyes 9, Reyes 9, Bacon 8, Marco 6, De Jesus 0, Inocentes 0, Llige 0, Serrano 0, Macaspac (L), Sumalinog (L)
