The Adamson Lady Falcons dominated the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, to secure third place at the end of the first round of eliminations in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
UP showed resistance in the third set, building a 12-9 advantage behind the efforts of Fina Ali, Bienne Bansil, and Joan Monares. However, Adamson quickly regained control as Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, Fhei Sagaysay, and Thirdy Tuddao powered a rally to deny the Fighting Maroons a set.
Adamson Closes It Out in Style
After a solid block by Ali briefly kept UP in the fight, Mordi delivered back-to-back points—a through-the-block kill followed by a crosscourt attack—to close out the match.
“We are really glad na ngayon since paghawak ko sa kanila, ito ‘yung best record for the first round. But still marami pa kaming iwo-work on para sa second round, ready kami ulit to compete again,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
With the victory, Adamson joined the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in a three-way tie at 4-3 in the standings.
Adamson Gets Contributions from All Around
Mordi paced the Lady Falcons with 18 points, while Nitura added 14 markers. Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets, while libero Althea Aposaga anchored the defense with 12 excellent digs and 4 excellent receptions.
For UP, no player reached double figures. Ali led the team with 8 points, while Bansil and Monares chipped in 7 markers apiece.
Adamson opens the second round against the still-unbeaten De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons will face defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, March 18, at 3:00 p.m. at the Big Dome.
