Adamson University came back from two sets down to frustrate fellow also-ran squad University of the Philippines, 22-25, 27-29, 30-28, 25-21, 15-12, and earn its second win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
The Fighting Maroons were already at match point in the third frame, 24-21. Then Pau Paulino and Francis Casas connected for three straight points to force a deuce for the Soaring Falcons.
After a back-and-forth affair in the extension, Paulino drilled the most crucial spikes. She nailed back-to-back hits to give Adamson the third, 30-28.
Casas and Jude Aguilar then starred in the fifth frame to deny Ranz Cajolo and Louis Gamban’s offensive firepower for UP. That led to the Adamson win in two hours and 54 minutes.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, hindi naman natatapos sa two sets ang laro eh. Basta kailangan lang nila hanggang dulo lumaban sila. Nakikita naman namin yung potential nila during training,” said Soaring Falcons head coach George Pascua, whose team ended a five-game slump and improve to 2-11.
Adamson’s first win also came at the expense of UP in the first round via a 25-16, 25-19, 25-22 decision.
Middle blocker Josh Magalaman led the Soaring Falcons with 20 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Casas delivered 18 points and 16 excellent receptions.
Aguilar came through with 17 points and nine digs, while John Gay contributed 12 points.
Gamban paced the Fighting Maroons with 21 points, 30 excellent receptions, and seven digs. Cajolo added 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks.
Jaivee Malabanan had 14 points while Jessie Rubin and Angelo Lipata made 12 and 11 points, respectively.
UP (1-11) will face University of the East on Wednesday, while Adamson will close its campaign on April 30 against Far Eastern University. Both games will be held at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
