The Adamson Lady Falcons shook off a third-set hiccup to defeat the UE Lady Red Warriors, 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With Shaina Nitura initially on the bench, UE seized early momentum behind the efforts of Khy Cepada and Bea Zamudio, building a 9-5 lead. Adamson responded through Abby Segui, Frances Mordi, and Lana Barrera, who fueled a 10-2 surge to swing the advantage to the Lady Falcons, 15-11.
However, Adamson committed five straight errors, allowing UE to tie the set at 18-all. The Lady Red Warriors capitalized on the shift in momentum, as Cepada, Zamudio, Van Bangayan, Eljane Nogueras, and Shania Olmogues combined to secure the third set, 25-21.
Shaina Nitura Sparks Adamson
In the fourth frame, with Nitura back in the starting unit, the Lady Falcons regained their rhythm and closed out the match to notch the victory.
“Very important win kasi ‘yung mga susunod na laban namin, mabibigat na rin na schools, so we needed this win. Kahit na nagkulang kami nung third set, regroup ulit at nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude.
Nitura and Mordi paced Adamson with 19 points each, while Fel Sagaysay added 10 points built on five service aces, four attacks, and one block. Princess Dote, Lhouiz Tuddao, and Segui combined for 21 markers.
For UE, Zamudio led the way with 14 points on 13 attacks and one block, along with 13 excellent digs. Bangayan and Cepada chipped in 11 points apiece.
Adamson looks to carry its momentum into a showdown with the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Lady Red Warriors aim to snap their 17-game skid when they face the UST Golden Tigresses on Saturday, February 28, at 11:00 a.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
