Adamson University faced daily tests in the recently concluded Akari Cup, and the Lady Falcons excelled in all of them.
Their most significant challenges arose in the knockout rounds against Premier Volleyball League teams NXLED in the semifinals and Akari in the final. On both occasions, Adamson found the answers and emerged as the champions of the pocket tournament.
In the semifinals against the Chameleons, the Lady Falcons showcased grit and immense perseverance, securing a 19-25, 25-20, 25-12, 17-25, 15-8 victory to advance to the final.
In the one-off finale against Akari, Adamson threatened to sweep with 25-19, 29-27 wins in the first two sets. However, the Chargers fought back in the next two sets, 25-21, 25-23, forcing a fifth set. In the decider, the Lady Falcons rediscovered their touch, defeating Akari 15-9 and claiming the championship.
Head coach JP Yude believes that these tough matches will benefit his team in the upcoming UAAP volleyball season in February.
“Nakita nila ‘yung potential nila na if they really need to win talaga at nandun ‘yung thinking na gusto talaga nila manalo, kaya nila eh,” said Yude, praising the Lady Falcons for finding ways to eke out wins.
“Madadala ng mga bata ‘to na magka-confidence sila pagpasok ng UAAP. We praise God sa mga bata na hindi sila sumuko kahit pagod na sila. But still, in-encourage ko talaga sila at minotivate na kailangan i-push ‘yun kasi marami tayong matututunan dito pagpasok natin sa UAAP.”
Despite the significant boost from the title, Yude acknowledges that his team is still far from reaching its full potential and emphasizes the need for time, hard work, and continuous progress. The absence of one of their main players, middle blocker Lorene Toring, who suffered an ACL injury in January, adds to the challenges. Toring, who underwent surgery, is now focused on her recovery.
Adamson aims to turn Toring into an inspiration to fight and retain its place in the Final Four of the UAAP. Last season, the Lady Falcons secured a bronze medal.
“Siguro marami pa kaming ipopolish eh. Siguro mga 60 to 70 percent pa lang siguro kami because inconsistent pa ‘yung passing namin, ‘yung blockings din namin, tsaka ‘yung mga atake namin,” said the concurrent Lady Baby Falcons head coach.
“Sabi ko nga siguro na sometimes, maglalaro rin tayo para rin sa kanya (Toring) [at] maging motivation niya ‘yung mga kasama niya para magpagaling nang mas mabilis,” added the player-turned-coach.
