Adamson Lady Falcons. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Adamson coach Jerry Yee told his wards to focus on their own progress in facing two contender teams this week in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
And the Lady Falcons heeded his call and took down two contender teams this week, sweeping both University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo.
“I tell the girls always to focus on themselves because we are our competition. We have to overcome our fears, anxiety, and everything. And then, we execute the things we do in practice,” said Yee in Filipino after taking down the Blue Eagles, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19, on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
“[So we were able to overcome] whoever our opponent is, regardless of their color. We’re happy we were able to execute.”
Tubu powered the Lady Falcons with a season-high 23 points to sweep their two games this week and earn their third straight win for an improved 4-1 record.
“We didn’t let them win a set because we will make it harder and more tiring for ourselves. So we did everything we can every set and tried to win the game in straight sets,” said Tubu in Filipino.
“Our goal every game is to win regardless of whoever we are facing. We just have to trust ourselves,” she added.
Tubu, who joined hands with Kate Santiago in beating UST, which was coming off a big five-set win over National University, credited her stellar play to Yee and her teammates.
“We always enjoy the game. Our coaches and teammates also keep on reminding us to just play my game and believe that I can do more,” she said.
Yee lauded Tubu and Santiago not only for their scoring prowess but also for their steady floor defense.
“They did a good job in digging and receiving. Their first ball is what we need from them for us to execute the plays, their scoring is just secondary for us,” the new Adamson coach said.
Adamson’s mettle will be tested against the unbeaten La Salle (5-0) on Sunday next week at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
“We’ll just focus on our execution and process. We’re not thinking of winning over another team,” Yee said.
Tubu agreed with her coach.
“We know that they are a Final Four contender. But our goal always is to execute the right place and be brave every game so we can bring out the best in ourselves,” she said.