Next stop: the quarterfinals!
The Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons drubbed the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Lady Pirates in three sets, 25-17, 25-18, 25-22, for their second consecutive victory in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Tuesday.
Team captain Lucille Almonte barged into double figures in scoring with 10 points achieved through six attacks and four aces.
MVP of the Match Sharya Ancheta continued her solid SSL performance with another 9-point outing composed of four blocks, three attacks, and two service aces.
Early in the first set, the Lady Falcons figured in a chess match with the Lady Pirates as both teams were tied at 14. AA Adolfo, then, sparked a run for Adamson with a block and a kill. Errors also hounded LPU late as AdU walked away with the opening set win.
To start the second set, the Lady Falcons found themselves in an 0-5 hole. Good thing though, the San Marcelino-based squad bucked a slow start, turning the tides of the game and never looked back once they took hold of the lead.
In the third set, Adamson doused off a late Lyceum rally to secure the victory. Leading by as much as seven, 19-12, the Lady Falcons gave life to the Lady Pirates after a string of unforced errors. Coach JP Yude’s crew, however, showed its mental fortitude and shrugged off a gritty LPU side to secure the victory.
When they were down in the second set and were staving off Lyceum’s run in the third, Ancheta told Akari Sports that the coaching staff always reminded the team that they are capable to claw back in and close out the game.
“Lagi lang pong nireremind po ng coaches po namin na lumaban po kami and kaya po namin [humabol] and yun lang po, lagi po naming binibigay yung best namin para po sa team,” said Ancheta.
AdU rookie Red Bascon showcased another stellar game with eight points, while senior middle blocker Lorene Toring and rising outside hitter Ishie Lalongisip chipped in seven points apiece.
On the other hand, open hitter Stacey Lopez and Janeth delivered the goods for Lyceum with 12 and nine markers respectively, while Cyrille Domingo and Joan Doguna added five points each.
Even with a clean slate, Ancheta emphasized that Adamson still has lapses that they need to polish, but she also assured that her team will come out prepared in the crossover quarterfinals against the CESAFI champs University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars still at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, 2PM.
“Alam po namin na marami pa po kaming lapses pero pagtatrabahuhan pa po namin,” said Ancheta.
