ADAMSON SCORES BREAKTHROUGH WIN VERSUS NU TO FORCE WINNER-TAKE-ALL GAME 3
After coming up short in its first three attempts, Adamson University finally scored a breakthrough win against top seed Nazareth School of National University in the UAAP Season 85 Girls’ Volleyball Finals Saturday at the Paco Arena.
The Baby Falcons prevailed over the Baby Bullpups in a five-set duel, 21-25, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, 15-13, to take home Game 2 and push the best-of-three series to a decider happening on Monday at the same venue.
Prior to the win, the San Marcelino squad faced an early dilemma as starting setter Jao Cuenca struggles to connect to her spikers which led to her and middle blocker Yesha Rojo to be taken out of the equation.
This, however, turned out to be a blessing in disguise as setter Felicity Sagaysay and middle blocker Fionna Inocentes came in with energy and agility that quickly revitalized the blue and white side.
“I thank the Lord na gumana silang dalawa,” said the beaming Adamson head coach JP Yude.
Throughout the season, both Sagaysay and Inocentes were given limited minutes but have always delivered for the Adamson team.
Despite being the smallest in the lineup, Sagaysay scored crucial blocks and deflected a good number of attacks from the NU side.
Inocentes, on the other hand, played a wise game as she converted plays mostly through drop shots right in the middle of the opponent’s court.
Following the win, Yude tells Akari Sports that his wards are no longer afraid.
“Nung Game 1 nakita ko sa kanila na hesistant sila, takot sila, and wala silang tiwala sa sarili nila,” he shared.
“Paulit-ulit kong reminder sa kanila magtiwala sila. Matic malakas ang NU. Hindi na natin mababago ‘yan. Ano ang nasa control natin? ‘Yung lakas ng loob na lumaban.”
“Hindi natin matatalo ang NU pag takot tayo sa kanila. Pero once na tinapangan niyo, kakayanin natin,” the coach added.
Team captain Shaina Nitura continued to be Adamson’s main offensive weapon which became a testament of how much she deserved the 1st best outside hitter award she received before the game proper.
Veteran Juris Manuel, who was awarded best libero, was all over the floor during rallies while also encouraging her fellow Baby Falcons in between.
Even Red Bascon, a converted outside hitter, scored multiple kills through off the block hits to help keep Adamson’s championship hopes alive.
With the stage set for a winner-take-all clash, Yude said he will bank on the momentum and work even more on the team’s reception during the one-day break.
“Pagtibayin pa namin talaga ang service-receive namin. And then ‘yung sa blockings at depensa, kailangan trabahuhin,” Yude said.
“Kung anuman ang ginawa namin sa game na ito, aayusin pa namin lalo,” he closed.