The Adamson University Lady Falcons are poised for another successful campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, February 17.
Team captain Lucille Almonte will lead a retooled squad mixed with veterans and rookies. As she takes on the responsibility of leading a rebuilding team this season, Almonte is focused on guiding the Lady Falcons towards their goal.
“Sobrang laki po [nung responsibility] kasi isa ako sa mga naiwan from last season, and kailangan ko talaga mag-step up at i-guide nang maayos yung team,” Almonte said.
After an offseason revamp, Almonte revealed that head coach JP Yude always reminds them to forget the past and focus on what lies ahead.
“Everyday po sinasabi ni coach samin kung ano [dapat] yung gusto namin [ipakita this season]. Di naman namin kailangan isipin yung Season 85 kasi tapos na yun, iba na yung team ngayon.”
Unfortunately, Adamson will have to compete without the services of graduating senior Lorene Toring, who bid the school goodbye last week due to an ACL injury. Still, Almonte remained defiant. Despite the void left by Toring, she believes that the Lady Falcons must swiftly move forward and continue to persevere.
“Wala na kaming magagawa dun and kailangan na namin mag-move forward. Ganun talaga, accidental eh, so kailangan lumaban talaga ang team,” Almonte said.
AdU will face a tough task right out of the gate as it debuts against the defending champions, the De La Salle Lady Spikers.
Making significant progress in their preparations for the UAAP, much like their championship run in the Akari Cup last week, the Lady Falcons are building on this momentum, supporting each other, and are well-prepared for the upcoming competition.
“Yung Akari Cup yung isa sa nakatulong samin ngayon, and I think ready naman na yung team, and suporta lang [sa isa’t isa] kahit anong mangyari.”
