By MARK REY MONTEJO
Adamson eliminated University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-18, 25-16, and strengthened its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Wednesday, April 15.
Their fluid offense anchored on MVP top contender Shai Nitura, the Lady Falcons looked like they were on a mission as they built several breakaways, particularly in the third, to completely take the fight out of the Fighting Maroons for their second straight win that boosted their semifinal return.
With the win, the JP Yude-guided crew seized the third spot with an 8-5 card, breaking the three-way tie with fellow semis hopefuls University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University. On the other hand, the State U slipped to a 5-8 tally that ended its semis hopes.
Adamson’s next game against FEU this Saturday, April 18, at the same UST-based venue would be crucial for both the Lady Falcons and the Lady Tamaraws, also for the Golden Tigresses as the outcome could dictate who takes the last two semis berths.
Nitura took charge for the San Marcelino-based squad with 26 points on 23 spikes and three blocks along with six excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while MJ Aseo added 10 points.
Frances Mordi and Princess Dote had seven points apiece, while Fhei Sagaysay sparkled with 21 excellent sets and four points for Adamson.
Kianne Olango topscored for UP with 13 points, while Irah Jaboneta and Niña Ytang struggled offensively with combined nine points and it was an unfortunate one as the two veterans saw their UAAP stints falling short anew for a Final Four shot.
Earlier, UP was coached by Aleksi Lahteenmaki, the women’s volleyball consultant of the recent NCAA champion Letran Lady Knights. He will also take the helm for their final game this season.
Meanwhile in men’s action, Adamson regained its form and dispatched University of the Philippines, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, to finally end its five-game losing streak.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair all throughout the match, but the Soaring Falcons, led by Richard Besorio, found ways to speed ahead, especially in the fourth where they overcame an early 4-9 deficit to outpace and deny the Fighting Maroons’ attempt for a decider.
The win hiked Adamson’s record to 3-10, creating a three-way logjam with UP and University of the East at the bottom of the standings.
Besorio, an Iloilo freshman, starred with 23 points off 20 attacks and three blocks, along with 12 excellent receptions, while Leo Coguimbal shone defensively with six blocks along nine attacks to finish with 15 points.
Adamson challenges the league-leading Far Eastern University (11-1) for its final assignment this Saturday, April 18, at the same venue.
Tommy Castrodes impressed with 19 points, 14 receptions, and eight digs, while Olayemi Raheem and Milven Francisco contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively, for UP which takes on University of Santo Tomas (8-4) this Sunday, April 19, at MOA Arena.
