The Adamson Soaring Falcons held off a strong performance from Olayemi Raheem and the UP Fighting Maroons as they notched a crucial 25-21, 28-26, 22-25, 25-27, 15-13 win, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Adamson opened its campaign with a five-set victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles but struggled afterward, dropping its next five matches. The Soaring Falcons, however, rediscovered their form just in time to close the first round of eliminations on a winning note.
Adamson Seals Crucial Win
In the deciding fifth set, the match was tied at 13-all before Lance Flestado delivered a crucial crosscourt spike to bring Adamson to match point. On the following play, UP’s Kobe Aca-ac committed an attack error, sealing the victory for the Falcons.
“Nag-full effort talaga ‘yung team, and collective effort talaga. Since nakuha namin ‘yung two sets, alam kong mag-a-adjust ‘yung UP. But siyempre ang instruction ko rin naman, nag-adjust na ‘yung kalaban, so kailangan din natin mag-adjust,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Raffy Mosuela.
Soaring Falcons Soar with Superb Outings
Flestado led Adamson with 28 points built on 26 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace. Joel Menor and Ahmed Tahiluddin provided support on both ends—Menor finished with 12 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Tahiluddin added 12 points and tallied 33 excellent receptions.
Converted setter John Gay orchestrated the offense with 31 excellent sets, while libero Anrhil Cuadra recorded 14 excellent receptions and 6 excellent digs.
For UP, Raheem erupted for 35 points on 33 attacks and 2 blocks, while Tommy Castrodes added 17 points and 18 excellent receptions.
The Soaring Falcons will face the La Salle Green Spikers on Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons take on defending champion NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:00 a.m. at the same venue.
