Stopping their alarming four-game skid, the Adamson University Lady Falcons earned a tight five-setter over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws 21-25, 17-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-10 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Recovering from an injury, FEU open hitter Bernadeth Pons keyed every important rally in the first set. Pons’s serving took FEU from an 8-9 deficit to a 13-9 lead. Later, as Adamson rallied back to trail by just one, 20-21, Pons ticked off attacks and eventually served the set-winning ace.
Flat-footed on coverages and reception, the Lady Falcons slowly let the second set slip away. Ahead 14-13, the Lady Falcons’ defense dissipated. With every Lady Tam serve teeing off on the Lady Falcons, FEU quickly retook the lead and went ahead, 21-14. From there, the Lady Tams quickly stole the set.
Sophomore open hitter May Roque singlehandedly kept Adamson’s spirit up in the third set. Roque delivered kills and aces in a 5-0 run that placed Adamson ahead, 22-17. With FEU making a late run, AdU’s Jema Galanza doused their fire and scored Adamson’s last three points.
The fourth frame hung in the balance until the final moments. Galanza snuck a hit between two blockers that tied the set at 23. Mylene Paat then capped a combination play to hand Adamson set point. To extend the match, Adamson setter Fhen Emnas delivered a beautiful serve that coaxed an attack error from FEU’s Remy Palma.
Adamson completed their miraculous comeback in the fifth set with a fabulous flourish. Mylene Paat delivered four aces in a 6-0 blitz to give Adamson a 9-2 lead. Adamson’s cushion slowly dwindled, but FEU gave up crucial errors in the end game, including a save attempt that sailed out of bounds for match point.
“Maganda ito kasi makakabawi na kami sa standings. Ngayon talaga may chance pa kami makapasok ng second round na may magandang record,” said Sherwin Menses, Adamson head coach, whose team advanced to a 2-4 slate. FEU fell to 3-3.
Roque led the Lady Falcons with 23 points off 19 attacks, three aces, and a block. Galanza had 16 markers, while Paat provided 13.
Pons towed the Lady Tams with 25 markers, while sophomore Basas added 20.
The Lady Falcons finish their first round on Saturday, 12:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against the University of the East Lady Warriors (0-6). FEU have the National University Lady Bulldogs (3-2) on Sunday, 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Roque 23, Galanza 16, Paat 13, Alkuino 4, Emnas 4, Dacoron 3, Flora 0, Momo 0, Mohammad 0, Tempiatura (L), Lehumfacil (L)
FEU (2) – Pons 25, Basas 20, Palma 11, Guino-O 7, Sy 5, Malabanan 4, Cayuna 1, Villareal 1, Dionela 0, Negrito 0, Hernande 0, Atienza (L), Duremdes (L)
