Adamson University kept its Final Four dream alive by capping off the elimination phase with a huge four-set win against De La Salle University, 25-23, 17-25, 25-16, 26-24 in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament.
If Ateneo de Manila University loses against University of the Philippines later at 6:30 PM, Adamson will officially secure its spot in the playoffs. But if the Blue Eagles score a win, a playoff for the final spot will take place between them and the Lady Falcons.
Trisha Genesis, who was very emotional after the match, poured 20 big points to help Adamson end the eliminations with an 8-6 win-loss standing all while snapping La Salle’s five-game winning streak.
“We worked hard lang talaga, ang bilin namin sa mga players kanina talagang trabahuhin lang namin bawat puntos,” said Adamson head coach Lerma Giron. “Talagang bawat bola, pag trabahuhan. Kung ano ‘man ang resulta, si God na ang bahala basta gawin lang nila yung responsibilidad nila.”
The Lady Spikers, who were already up by two in the fourth set, committed three consecutive errors which gave the Lady Falcons a one-point lead. Alleiah Malaluan then locked the scores at 23-all to keep La Salle alive in the contest.
Lucille Almonte pierced through two blockers to put Adamson at match point, but Genesis was rejected by Mars Alba in the following play. Genesis tried once again, this time punching one in to put the Lady Falcons at match point once more, 25-24. Jolina Dela Cruz’s attack then went outside which ended the game.
“Medyo slow start pero sobrang proud ako sa mga girls ko na hindi basta bastang bumibigay. Kahit medyo malayo yung lamang, talagang pinipilit nila pumuntos, paghirapan yung bawat bola and I’m very proud of them,” bared Giron, who was trying to fight back tears.
Lucille Almonte added 14 points and 20 excellent digs while Aliah Marce had 12 points and 17 excellent digs. Team captain Louie Romero also came up big for the Lady Falcons with 24 excellent sets and three points while Princess Balang contributed 24 digs and 13 receptions.
On the other hand, Thea Gagate, Malaluan, and Dela Cruz all had 12 points for the second-ranked Lady Spikers, who capped off the elimination round with a 10-4 standing.
With the loss, La Salle failed to officially lock the second seed in the Final Four. They will face University of Sto. Tomas for a playoff for the second spot if the Golden Tigresses defeat the unbeaten National University later at 4:00 PM.
—
All UAAP games stream live on GigaPlay presented by Yamaha. Download it now on Android or IOS.
