By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
Adamson University secured its second consecutive UAAP High School Girls’ Volleyball Finals appearance with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 triumph over Far Eastern University-Diliman on Sunday.
The Baby Falcons completed a perfect 12-match elimination round sweep in just 68 minutes, advancing directly to the best-of-three championship series.
Adamson had faced a defeat against National University in three games in the previous season.
“Una talaga, we thank the Lord for this win, kumbaga na-sweep namin first round and sceond round. Kanina sumasabay sila sa tempo ng FEU kaya medyo slow start, pag lumayo, sumasabay rin sila pero at the same time, makita pa rin namin kung ano ‘yung mga adjustments pagdating ng finals,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.
”So medyo mahaba-haba ‘yung pahinga and then preparation but still we’ll work on that.”
The third set began as a closely contested battle, with both teams keeping the margin within three points. The Lady Baby Falcons then initiated a 4-1 run, pulling away at 13-8, prompting the Lady Baby Tamaraws to call a timeout.
Despite FEU-D’s efforts to reduce the deficit, Adamson secured four straight points, capitalizing on errors from the Lady Baby Tamaraws, a drop ball from Fhei Sagaysay, and a service ace from Shaina Nitura, widening the gap to seven points.
MG Del Moral scored off a block, leading Adamson to match point. Raine Alonzo managed to score a point with a through-the-block hit, but Adamson ultimately clinched the match, winning 25-17.
FEU-D, UST, and NUNS finished with similar 8-4 records and will undergo the step-ladder phase to determine the second finalist.
In the boys’ division, NUNS claimed the top ranking with a 25-18, 27-25, 25-20 victory over UE, securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
Defending boys’ champion FEU-D halted Adamson’s Final Four aspirations with a 17-25, 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 15-12 win.
“Nangyari lahat nung inensayo namin and happy ako kasi ‘yung communication nila sa loob ng court naging factor ‘yun para maging maganda ‘yung flow ng mga plays namin,” said NUNS head coach Edgar Barroga.
The fifth set of the boys’ match saw a close affair until the Baby Tamaraws emerged victorious with a 15-12 score, securing third place with an 11-3 record.
The Baby Falcons’ loss officially eliminated them from Final Four contention, finishing the season in fifth place with a 7-7 record. Additionally, UST (8-6) secured the last spot in the Final Four following Adamson’s defeat.
