By: Christian David Ruiz
Adamson University and De La Salle Zobel both opened their respective UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Volleyball campaigns with victories on Monday at the Adamson University Gymnasium.
The Baby Falcons dominated the Junior Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-12, 25-14, 25-6, while the Junior Spikers also swept the Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-21, 25-19.
“Actually, nakakasatisfy naman kasi kung ano yung ginawa namin sa training, lumabas. Yun nga lang, may mga lapses pa rin kami na kailangang punuan kasi yung mindset namin, yung game para sa Sunday against NU. Mabigat yung magiging next game namin,” said Adamson head coach Marvin Ramoso.
On the other hand, DLSZ head coach Ranilo Gacula was less pleased with his team’s performance despite the win.
“Hindi ko siya masabing okay kahit panalo kami kasi hindi pa rin naglalaro ng maayos yung team, kumbaga yung galaw nila pigil,” he remarked.
“Ang ine-expect ko kasi, kayang kaya namin yung kalaban eh, kahit na ganon, dapat maglaro pa rin sila nang aggressive kasi ayun medyo parang kulang sa excitement yung laro,” Gacula added.
After falling short of the finals last season, the Baby Falcons began this year’s campaign with an emphatic win over the Fighting Maroons.
Jims Ducusin led the charge with nine points, including eight attacks and a service ace.
Team captain and libero Jhon Guevarra anchored the defense with 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
Looking to close the game in the third set, Neil Tobias delivered a combination play from the middle to extend Adamson’s lead to 16 points.
Adamson dominated the contest with 38 attacks, five blocks, and 13 service aces.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Junior Spikers secured their first victory of the season against the Blue Eagles, who are now enduring an 18-game losing streak.
Mario Roxas shined with 14 points, including 13 attacks and a service ace, while team captain and setter Jarrette Failana added eight points from two attacks and six service aces.
Early in the match, Failana set the tone with three consecutive service aces, followed by a powerful spike from Roxas to close the set.
DLSZ recorded 26 attacks, 2 blocks, and 14 service aces to claim the win.
On the losing side, the Junior Fighting Maroons’ open hitter Marcos Bamba led UPIS with eight points, built on six attacks and two service aces.
For Ateneo — which suffered its 18th straight loss, Ethan Rivera contributed nine points from five attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
