Written by Akari Sports Staff | Photo from The UAAP
ADAMSON aims to move closer to securing its first Final Four appearance in three years as it plays the University of the Philippines on Wednesday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.
After surpassing last year’s six-win campaign, the Lady Falcons, at 7-5, remain on track for a Final Four return for the first time since 2023.
Locked in a tie with Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas from third to fifth spots, Adamson has a pretty good shot of making it to the next round.
A victory over the Fighting Maroons at 5 p.m., and a win over the Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, also at QPav, and the Lady Falcons will secure one of the two remaining Final Four spots up for grabs.
“Siguro for me, I know naman na there are so many changes tulad last year. For now, sa team kasi ngayon, nandoon na yung tapang nila every time sa laro. Work in progress ’eh, bumababa, nandoon. Pero I know naman na during the crucial moments, magpapakita talaga yung mga bata. ‘Yon lang talaga na we keep on encouraging them every time. Especially si Frances (Mordi) na during last game na medyo off talaga siya. So we keep on encouraging her. And then good thing, I am very happy na nag-respond siya nang maayos. And then, gumawa talaga siya today na babawi talaga siya,” said Adamson coach JP Yude.
Mordi bounced back big with 17 points and 11 receptions as the Lady Falcons completed an elimination round head-to-head sweep of the Tigresses with a 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 victory last Saturday. Prior to the win, Nigerian struggled with seven points in Adamson’s straight-set loss to defending champion National University.
“I am very happy lang na sa ganitong situation ay nade-develop talaga yung character ng mga bata, because skills-wise, nandoon ‘eh. Pero yung character nila during the game and how we respond during the pressure moments, ‘yon yung importante doon. Kasi tignan niyo na kahit sinong magaling na player kapag pressure moments, nawawala sa laro. ‘Yon lang gusto ko makita sa mga bata on how they pull off pagdating ng pressure moments,” Yude said.
Shai Nitura, who continues to lead the scoring with 240 points, was satisfied to see Adamson play as one at this stage of the season.
“Sabi ko nga kanina is thankful ako kasi nung time na may bumababa or may nahihinaan na loob, willing lahat na tumulong. Lalo yung coaching staff na maniwala lang sa program, sa isa’t-isa, sa sistema, at yung goal ng team. So very grateful and thankful,” Nitura said.
