Adamson University showed nerves of steel in the extended fourth set to defeat University of the East, 25-19, 25-19, 26-28, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament
before 5,844 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
It was a booming debut for transferee Barbie Jamili, who was not fielded in the first three matches, to help the Lady Falcons return to the win column.
Jamili unloaded 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, along with 12 digs and six excellent receptions for Adamson.
But it was middle blockers May Ann Nuique and Jen Villegas who made the much-needed hits in the fourth to finish the match for the Lady Falcons and hike their record to 2-2 for solo fifth.
The Lady Warriors threatened to force a decider after a costly rotational fault by the Lady Falcons to reach set point, 27-26.
However, Kayce Balingit returned the favor with an attack that went wide for another deadlock before Nuique’s running spike went off-the-block followed by Villegas’ service ace for the victory.
“Grabe yung game intense sobra pati ako nadadala na but still good job to my players, ginawa nila lahat para manalo at hindi nila binitawan especially yung last set,” said first-year Adamson head coach JP Yude.
AA Adolfo contributed 16 points for the Lady Falcons while rookie Red Bascon also dazzled with 13 points in a starter role.
Karen Verdeflor also took care of the defensive end for Adamson with 16 excellent receptions and 15 digs.
“Thank you po kay coach kasi binigyan niya ako ng chance para makatulong sa team. Thank you po sa patience,“ said Jamili.
Adamson will look for its first winning streak of the season when it clashes with Far Eastern University on Saturday at the same Pasay venue.
UE sank to 1-3 in its first game without head coach Jerry Yee, who was suspended by the league for the rest of the season.
Casiey Dongallo led the Lady Warriors, who are now handled by interim coach Obet Vital, with 26 points but went 23-of-90 in her spikes.
UE, meanwhile, will aim to regain its winning ways on Wednesday against De La Salle University on Wednesday also at the MOA Arena.
