Adamson Falcons. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — After losing its first six games, Adamson University finally barged into the win column after sweeping winless University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-19, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons started strong, taking control of the first two sets and fighting back from a 14-18 deficit in the third to end their first-round campaign on a high note.
Evander Novillo tied the third at 21-all with an off-the-block kill. Adamson took a 23-22 advantage from Louis Gamban’s crucial attack error before Novillo closed out the game with back-to-back service aces.
Novillo finished with 11 points built on seven attacks, two aces, and two blocks. Mark Coguimbal chipped in nine points, including three blocks, while Jude Aguilar and Joshua Magalaman added eight markers.
“We’re hungry to get this win. My mindset when I was serving was to end the game with my serve if possible,” said Novillo in Filipino. “Because it will be harder for us if play longer rally. It will be more tiring and [UP] might extend the march.”
“Coach George told us to believe and trust,” he added.
Adamson coach George Pascua finally earned his first win as the Falcons ended the round at 1-7.
“I told them two things: believe and trust. They just have to believe in our system and trust each other,” Pascua said. “We learned a lot from our previous losses and it served as motivation for us.”
UP stumbled to 0-7 in the first round with Angelo Lagando and Gamban leading the way with nine and eight points, respectively.