Adamson University continued to defy the odds as it topped University of Santo Tomas, 25-17, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-11, to gain its first-ever championship appearance in the UAAP Season 82 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Battling cramps midway through the game, Kate Santiago still unleashed 26 points on 19 attacks, four service aces, and three blocks to lead the Baby Lady Falcons.
Winners of three straight do-or-die step-ladder semifinals games, Adamson University hopes to sustain this momentum against National University-Nazareth School in the Finals, scheduled to begin at 12 noon on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Bullpups gained the outright Finals berth after sweeping the 12-match elimination round.
The Baby Lady Falcons also beat the Junior Tigresses, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-20, last Sunday.
“‘Yung mga players ko ang magde-decide if they want to win. Ayun, nag-respond sila, talagang gusto nila, hindi nila ginive up. Nilaban nila ang team hanggang sa dulo,” said Adamson University coach Lerma Giron.
May Ann Nuique, Raisa Ricablanca, and Trisha Tubu each had 10 points for Adamson.
Adamson started the deciding set with a 10-1 lead, but UST answered with a 7-1 run to close the deficit to three, 8-11.
But the Baby Falcons pulled away late and booked the remaining Finals berth.
Substitute Samantha Maranan collected 18 points on 14 kills and four aces for the Junior Tigresses. Regina Jurado added 17 markers and 14 digs, while Renee Peñafiel chalked up 14 points.
