Adamson University overcame a tough University of the Philippines stand in the third set to carve out a 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 victory over University of the Philippines, giving new coach JP Yude his first collegiate win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
Niña Ytang kept the Fighting Maroons within the match in the third frame, scoring five points to turn an 18-20 deficit into a 26-all affair.
However, May Ann Nuique came through with the thunderous running attack before Ytang equalized again with a quick kill but the Lady Falcons called for a net touch challenge on the UP middle blocker’s windup – which was deemed successful after the review to secure the straight sets triumph in one hour and 42 minutes.
“Nung nage-ensayo kami, sabi ko sa players ko kasi kailangan natin to give our best every time sa pagtitraining para madala natin sa paglalaro. Kanina yun yung nangyari,” said Yude, who steered the Baby Falcons to a historic first high school girls volleyball title via 14-0 sweep two weeks ago.
The Fighting Maroons rallied back from 14-21 down in the second frame with Irah Jaboneta, Ytang, and Jenn Gould providing the goods to pull within two, 22-24, but Ishie Lalongisip hammered an off-the-block kill for the Lady Falcons’ commanding 2-0 lead.
The Lady Falcons now hold a 1-1 record while the Fighting Maroons stayed winless in two games.
“Pinagplanuhan po namin itong game namin para dito kami kukuha ng kumpyansa para sa mga next games namin. Alam po namin na marami pa kaming maipapakita sa next games,” said Ishie Lalongisip, who had 12 points, 16 digs, and seven receptions in the win.
Nuique, stepping up for middle blocker Lorene Toring who missed her final year due to an ACL injury, added 12 points while AA Adolfo chalked up 11 points to her name as both players made two service aces each.
Ytang uncorked 18 points in the losing cause including six of UP’s eight blocks.
Liberos from both schools showed up as Lady Falcon Karen Verdelor tallied 21 digs and 12 receptions while Fighting Maroon Giesha Capistrano produced 25 digs and 15 receptions.
Up next for Adamson would be National University on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 2 p.m., while UP will face neighbor Ateneo de Manila University at 4 p.m.
