University of the East snapped a six-game skid by defeating first-round victim Adamson University, 25-23, 26-24, 20-25, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
The Red Warriors now share seventh place with the Soaring Falcons, both holding 2-8 records, giving UE a renewed chance—albeit slim—at making the Final Four.
It was also UE’s first time winning two matches in a season since Season 85, when the team went 5-9 to finish sixth.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Stick to the basics. I was shouting at the sideline, sinisigaw ko na lang na ‘basic, basic’ kasi kapag pinakomplikado pa namin ‘yung galaw, baka mag mix the more na hindi maka-execute,” UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan said after the third set. “Balik lang tayo sa foundation sa kung anong ginagawa natin kasi ‘yung execution naman darating ’yon.”
After dropping tight games in the first two sets, the Soaring Falcons finally found their rhythm in the third frame, extending their hopes.
However, the Red Warriors remained composed, preventing the match from reaching a deciding fifth set—unlike their earlier 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12 win in the first round.
With Joel Menor and Leo Coguimbal converting back-to-back points for Adamson to cut the deficit to two in the fourth set, 22-24, UE captain Shan Camaymayan sealed the victory with a quick kill, securing the team’s second win.
Roy Piojo continued his strong performance since returning in the second round from a partial MCL tear, contributing 21 points on 21 attacks, along with eight digs and five receptions.
Raquim Aceron also scored 21 points on 19 spikes and two blocks, adding 23 excellent receptions, while Camaymayan chipped in 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks.
UE will look to build its first win streak of the season on Easter Sunday, facing the host University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Adamson, meanwhile, now on a three-game losing streak, will return to action on Easter against National University.
The Soaring Falcons’ wing spikers were effectively contained by UE, as middle blockers Leo Coguimbal and Zyro Ornos led the scoring with 11 and nine points, respectively.
