ADAMSON NEEDS BETTER RECEPTION, BLOCKING VERSUS UST, SAYS ASSISTANT COACH
“Yes and no.”
This was how Adamson assistant coach Rald Ricafort assessed the Lady Falcons’ performance versus FEU Saturday at the MOA Arena when he was asked if their game plan for the day was followed to a T.
Though the San Marcelino squad emerged victorious, 25-21, 24-26, 25-14, 25-21, and improved to a 2-1 win-loss record, the team’s 16.28 efficiency in reception did not get the coach’s approval.
“Off ang receive that day,” Ricafort told Akari Sports.
This, among other things, led to Adamson’s meltdown in the second set which saw the girls in blue and white drop the frame despite reaching set point first at 24-23.
“It’s more of the small details na napabayaan nung second set. But good thing na adjust namin nung third ang offense and defense,” Ricafort shared.
True enough, a revitalized Adamson side retaliated in the third set led by veteran middle blocker Lorene Toring who finished the match with 14 markers off nine attacks, three blocks, and two aces.
The assistant coach also lauded the girls’ focus on their mission of limiting the numbers of the middle blockers of the Lady Tamaraws.
“Nabawasan namin ung production ng middles nila (FEU) compared to their last game,” he said.
Team captain Louie Romero, who dished 25 excellent sets, distributed the scoring load well as three other Lady Falcons finishing in double digits in Kate Santiago with 18, Trisha Tubu with 13, and Rizza Cruz with 10 points.
The next assignment of the Akari-backed Adamson team will be up against UST, a team that just snapped defending champion NU’s 20-game winning streak in the UAAP women’s volleyball division.
On what needs immediate correction before the matchup happening on Wednesday, 2PM, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Ricafort shares: “Siguro mainly sa reception and blocking.”