France Ronquillo of Far Eastern University rises to deliver a kill past the defense of University of the Philippines’Marian Buitre and Lorielyn Bernardo. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Far Eastern University and Adamson passed a major test of character with victories over tough foes to make the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Adamson woke up from an opening set stupor to bring down erstwhile undefeated University of Santo Tomas, 15-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-20, and virtually clinch the No. 1 slot in the Final Four.
Later, FEU mounted a strong rally in the fourth before pulling off a come-from-behind win over University of the Philippines, 15-25, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 15-7.
The Lady Tamaraws, who tied the Tigresses at second place with a 5-1 card, trailed 16-21 in the fourth set before breaking out with a searing run to extend the match and eventually win after an easy fifth frame.
The Lady Maroons still have a chance to make the Final Four but it will have to win against San Beda on Aug. 26, the last elimination round day.
Adamson, working on a system that it hopes to key success in the collegiate season, will take on struggling teams San Beda and San Sebastian in the coming days as it gears for a sweep of the eliminations.
Things didn’t look good in the first set as the Lady Falcons groped for form amid the strong start of the Tigresses.
But that was all UST could muster after entering the match without rookie Eya Laure, who is nursing an injured right shoulder.
Coach Airess Padda said she wasn’t happy with how her Lady Falcons closed the match, adding that they need to establish the “right mix of playing hard, being focused and having fun.”