By: Nicole Gonzales
Determined to bring the championship back to Adamson, team captain and libero Maegan Pineda is leading the Baby Lady Falcons on a mission.
Last year’s silver medalists continued their strong start in the UAAP Season 88 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament, extending their winning streak to five after sweeping De La Salle Zobel, 25-20, 25-16, 25-17, last Sunday at Paco Arena.
Outside hitter Ellaine Gonzalvo spearheaded the scoring with 14 points off 13 attacks and a block, while Francheska Adem contributed 11 points, including a service ace.
Pineda anchored the Baby Lady Falcons’ defense, recording nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
As of the first round, Adamson and defending champions NU-Nazareth Lady Bullpups are the only unbeaten teams in the tournament, with Ateneo Baby Blue Eagles and UE Junior Lady Warriors still searching for their first win.
Last season, the NU-Nazareth squad dominated the finals, sweeping Adamson in two straight-set victories.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Ang goal namin, of course, is mabalik ulit namin yung championship sa amin. Since from last season, nakuha po namin yung silver,” said Pineda, who was part of the Season 86 championship team.
She credits the team’s impressive start to consistent training and a commitment to addressing their weaknesses after every match.
“Of course, ang pinakaunang ginagawa namin is training talaga. Doon namin wino-work on lahat ng mga nagiging lapses namin sa previous games namin, tinatrabaho namin sa trainings,” Pineda explained.
Despite topping the standings, Pineda acknowledges that Adamson still has areas to improve.
“Yung serve and pass namin, ayun talaga yung pinaka-weakness namin. Pero since mayroon pa din kaming time to prepare bago kami sumalang ulit sa game, mapagtatrabahuhan [pa] namin talaga yung serve and pass na yun,” she said.
Rather than letting pressure mount with each win, the Baby Lady Falcons use it as fuel for motivation.
“Actually, nag-a-add po siya as motivation sa amin kung paano po kami mas magiging eager sa mga next games po namin,” Pineda added.
With the season more than halfway through the first round, Pineda and her teammates remain focused on their ultimate goal.
“Kailangan po namin mag-stick sa goal na yun [championship], and kailangan din namin maglaro as one,” she concluded.
