The UE Red Warriors snapped a 23-game losing streak after outlasting the Adamson Soaring Falcons in five sets, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Before this breakthrough, UE’s last win came in Season 86 against the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 19-25, 28-30, 27-25, 15-12, on March 17, 2024.
UE Stands on Business for Breakthrough
Despite fielding a young roster bannered by eight rookies, the Red Warriors stood firm and overcame Adamson’s imposing net defense, which produced 23 kill blocks in the match.
“To be honest, ang sarap manalo ulit dito sa UAAP. I would say we have a very young team now, and the rookies that we have, they are not prized recruits, pero mas naniniwala kami na once we see a potential sa player, we try to develop them,” said Red Warriors assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan.
“Kailangan namin trabahuhin kung anong meron kami, and we’re happy with this result kasi after two seasons, uy may resulta, and that’s more than enough for us para ipagpatuloy.”
UE Seals First Win
In the deciding fifth set, Adamson held a slim 7-5 lead before Raquim Aceron and CJ Nabora sparked a turnaround to give UE an 8-6 edge. The Falcons managed to tie the set at 10-all, but costly errors, coupled with crucial attacks from Nabora and Gerald Perit, pushed the Red Warriors to match point, 14-10. Nabora then delivered the finishing blow with an off-the-block kill to seal the victory.
Aceron paced UE with 24 points and 21 excellent receptions. Nabora added 17 markers on 15 attacks and 2 blocks, along with 13 excellent receptions and 7 excellent digs. Marl Budias chipped in 16 points, built on 15 attacks and 1 block.
For Adamson, Jims Ducusin scored a team-high 24 points on 21 attacks and 3 blocks. Richard Besorio tallied 17 points, highlighted by 9 blocks and 8 attacks, while also posting 10 excellent receptions. Ahmed Tahiluddin added 12 points and 11 excellent receptions.
The UE Red Warriors aim to build on their long-awaited breakthrough when they take on the UST Golden Spikers on Saturday, February 28, at 9:00 a.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Adamson Soaring Falcons seek to bounce back as they face the still-undefeated FEU Tamaraws on Sunday, March 1, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
