After numerous gallant stands, the University of the East Lady Warriors were able to use their signature defensive acumen to grind out a four-set win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 20-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Adamson burst to an 18-10 lead in the first set and staved off a late UE run. The Lady Warriors then showed their grit in the next sets, rallying from big Adamson leads to sneak in late and get the win.
Seeing their two-point lead disappear in the fourth set, UE benefited from back-to-back Adamson errors that gave them a 23-21 lead. After a Jasmine Alcayde attack, the Lady Warriors got the match-clinching point from an Eli Soyud attack error.
UE head coach Karl Dimaculangan, who won his first match in the women’s division, lauded his team’s determination following their first two losses.
“Siguro after game namin versus NU, nag-collapse. Parang hindi kami ang naglaro noon,” admitted the former UAAP MVP.
“Hindi porque’t nag-improve tayo, automatic panalo na. Naano sila sa expectation, sinabi ko lang na mag-laro sila ng maayos. Ngayon, nakapanalo rin ng isa. Malaking bagay ito sa amin. Reward nila ito sa sarili nila na nakakuha na kami ng panalo. Paghahandaan ulit namin ang next games namin,” the youthful tactician added.
UE’s Judith Abil tallied 22 points, all off attacks, to go with 20 digs and 21 excellent receptions, while Geline Olarve added 14 markers.
Eli Soyud topped the Lady Falcons with 20 points, while Bernadette Flora added 15. Adamson gave up 34 errors to UE’s 24.
UE (1-2) next take on the Ateneo de Manila University (2-1), while Adamson (0-3) try for their first win against the National University Lady Bulldogs. (1-2). Both games are on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores
UE (3) – Abil 22, Mendrez 14, Olarve 14, Rodriguez 12, Baliton 5, Gabarda 3, Bendong 2, Alcayde 1, Manabat 1, Calavano 0, Arado (L)
AdU (1) – Soyud 20, Flora 15, Macaslang 9, Dacoron 4, Genesis 4, Permentilla 3, Yandoc 3, Igao 2, Perez 2, Ave 0, Ponce (L)
