Adamson University, coming off a tough loss to Far Eastern University, bounced back and upset Ateneo de Manila in a tight straight-set affair, 28-26, 25-22, 30-28, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With a 3-2 record, the Soaring Falcons have already surpassed last season’s two-win campaign.
“Ayun, syempre it’s a process kasi last year kasi wala kaming legit na setter eh. Tapos yung adaptation nung system last year medyo hindi pa ganun ka-solid ba,” said second-year head coach George Pascua.
“Pero at least kahit papaano, meron ng connection.”
Adamson’s victory also forced a three-way tie with its victims and University of Santo Tomas in fourth to sixth places.
The Soaring Falcons had to weather a tough stand from Kennedy Batas and the Blue Eagles in the third set to return to the win column.
With Adamson looking to close out the game, Batas took over for Ateneo. He scored four consecutive points to turn a 20-22 disadvantage into a 24-22 lead late in the third set.
However, Amil Pacinio committed a service error which was then followed by a Paulo Paulino kill, sending the game to a deuce.
Paulino traded hits with Jian Salarzon and Batas before Pacinio converted a cross-court hit which put the Blue Eagles ahead, 28-27.
That, however, proved to be it for Ateneo, who committed three consecutive errors to hand Adamson the game.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga players, kailangan mag-invest tayo nitong first round para kahit paano pagdating ng second round, eh medyo maganda-ganda. Target namin is top four, let’s see,” said Pascua.
John Gay scored 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and one ace along with 13 excellent receptions.
Paulino came up with 16 markers as well, laced with five digs for the Soaring Falcons.
On the other hand, Batas paced Ateneo with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks. Salarzon registered 16 points, while Pacinio had 12 markers and 14 excellent receptions in the loss.
Adamson will face UST on Saturday, 12:00 PM, while Ateneo will go up against Far Eastern University on Sunday, 10:00 AM to end the first round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
