Adamson University shrugged off Ateneo de Manila University’s challenge in the first and third sets, 25-23, 25-17, 26-24, to remain in solo second in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Saturday.
The Lady Falcons had to weather the Blue Eagles’ fiery comeback from 22-16 down, thanks to Bea Lomocso’s three aces and a successful challenge by coach Oliver Almadro.
With Adamson at match point, 24-23, Faith Nisperos went crosscourt but it was called out. The Blue Eagles then called for a ball in/ball out challenge – which officials deemed successful – to extend the third frame.
But Trisha Tubu and Lucille Almonte nailed back-to-back hits for the Lady Falcons sweep, extending their winning streak to three matches.
“We used the timeout, and then meron pa naman isang puntos bago sila mag-tie. So I’m trying to relay na walang pressure,  lalaro lang, relax,” said Adamson head coach Jerry Yee on the endgame.
This is the first time Adamson swept its season series against Ateneo since the 2008-09 season. The Lady Falcons also took the first round with a line of 25-18 25-23, 25-19 last March 12.
The Lady Falcons remained second at 7-2, a full game ahead of University of Santo Tomas and National University, while also snapping the Blue Eagles’ two-game winning run to sink to 3-6.
This was also Adamson’s first elimination round head-to-head sweep of Ateneo since Season 73.
The duo of Kate Santiago and Tubu was flexing anew with 18 and 17 points, respectively, with the former adding nine digs.
Lorene Toring and Ckyle Tagsip chipped in nine and seven points, respectively, while Almonte delivered eight points, 16 excellent receptions, and eight digs.
Nisperos got 17 points for the Blue Eagles. Vanie Gandler backed her up with 10 points.
They will both return on April 12 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan after the Holy Week break.
Ateneo will first face University of the Philippines at 11:00 AM, before Adamson clashes with the Lady Bulldogs at 3:00 PM.
Watch the UAAP Season 85 Collegiate Volleyball Tournament on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 HD). Available on Prepaid Loads 300 & up (valid for 30 days).
You can also catch the games live on the SMART Livestream App. Download it here.
