The Adamson Soaring Falcons leaned on 19-year-old rookie Jim Ducusin to outlast the Ateneo Blue Eagles in five grueling sets, 26-28, 26-24, 30-28, 22-25, 15-12, to kick off their campaign in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday.
In the deciding fifth set, both squads battled through a tight exchange that resulted in an 8-all deadlock at the crossover. Ducusin then sparked a pivotal 5-1 run, scoring three points to give Adamson a comfortable 13-9 cushion. Blue Eagle Aimar Okeke answered with back-to-back points to keep Ateneo within striking distance, but a costly service error by the Katipunan-based side handed the Soaring Falcons the victory, 15-12.
“Actually happy ako, nasunod ‘yung game plan namin especially kay Joel kasi last year hindi siya nabigyan ng time eh. But now nabigay niya ‘yung best niya and, of course, dito naman kay Jims, talagang binigay ko ‘yung time para sa kanya. Sabi ko nga iba ang college, iba ang high school, but still ‘yung expectation namin binigay niya,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Raffy Mosuela.
Ducusin Soars for Adamson
Ducusin paced Adamson with 23 points built on 20 attacks, 2 blocks, and an ace, while Joel Menor added 17 markers on 15 attacks and 2 blocks. Ahmed Tahiluddin chipped in 14 points, including 4 blocks, and tallied 21 excellent receptions.
For the Blue Eagles, Okeke also scored 23 points on 20 attacks, along with 13 excellent receptions. Amil Pacinio Jr. contributed 20 points, while team captain Jian Salarzon added 17. Rodge Alejos finished with 10 markers.
Adamson braces for a tough test against five-time defending champion National University on Wednesday, February 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, Ateneo looks to regroup as it prepares for a showdown with the University of the Philippines on Sunday, February 23.
