Adamson University’s campaign in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament was far from memorable, with the team only managing to defeat fellow also-rans, FEU and UE, and finishing with a 4-10 record.
It was a season they’d rather forget.
Ahead of Season 87, a power ranking article categorized the eight teams into three groups: title seekers, contenders, and challengers. Unsurprisingly, Adamson was placed in the challenger category.
However, the Lady Falcons have started the season strong with a 2-0 record, highlighted by a stunning win over title contender De La Salle University on Wednesday.
Head coach Ryan Monteclaro is now determined to prove that Adamson isn’t just here to challenge the best – they want to be the best.
Interestingly, Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela used a similar term when he labeled his Season 85 squad as gatecrashers after they eliminated La Salle to enter the Final Four.
Monteclaro appears to be taking inspiration from this mindset.
“In the article, it says title seekers, then contenders, and I emphasized to them that we’re in the challengers category of the three hierarchies. I was asking them, ‘Do you want to be challengers only?’” Monteclaro explained.
“I told them, we’re not just challengers – we’re here to contend. Our term now, which we always say in the dugout, is that we’re going to gatecrash. With these wins, hopefully, this will start something positive.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Fourth-year forward Kat Agojo, who has been with the Adamson program through its toughest times, remains committed to continuing the fight in hopes of extending the Lady Falcons’ winning streak.
Her actions spoke louder than words in their victory over the Lady Archers, as she recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and one steal while shooting an efficient 66.7-percent from the field.
“Gusto ko rin manalo, gusto ko talaga sila i-lead. Parang minotivate ko yung sarili ko na gagawin ko yung best ko para manalo,” the Santo Tomas, Batangas native said.
“Ayoko na palagi nasa posisyon na ito, na laging talo. Gusto ko umangat kami as a team.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Third-year guard Elaine Etang believes that their strong start to the new UAAP season will boost the morale and confidence of the retooled Adamson women’s basketball program.
Etang, who was part of the Gilas Women 3×3 pool that competed in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League, is bringing her national team experience to the court. She led the Lady Falcons with 15 points, five rebounds, and five steals.
“Para sa akin, magandang panalo ito kasi last season, wala kami naipanalo sa La Salle. Para sa amin, dagdag morale and kumpyansa sa sarili, especially sa new teammates namin,” the 22-year-old guard shared.
