Adamson Lady Falcons against La Salle Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals Finals. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Adamson fought its way back from an 11-20 deficit in the fourth set for a 22-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 16-14 victory over UAAP champion La Salle, inching closer to the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational crown on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Team captain Lucille Almonte and rookie Red Bascon fueled the victory for the Lady Falcons, who can close out the series in Game 2 on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Almonte unleashed 24 points including three aces to spark their run late in the fourth set that erased a nine-point disadvantage and forced a deciding fifth set.
Bascon, meanwhile, put on the finishing touches in the last two frames and scored seven crucial points off the bench to hand the Lady Spikers their first loss of the tournament.
Adamson took a 13-10 lead in the decider after back-to-back hits from Almonte but La Salle scored three straight points ignited by Shevana Laput’s block on Almonte to tie the set. Angelica Alcantara nailed a clutch 1-2 play to put the Lady Falcons at match point, 14-13, only for Laput to force a deuce.
Bascon, who only started in the fifth set, drilled an off-the-block attack that regained the advantage for Adamson but La Salle didn’t want the call and complained to the referees, who slapped a yellow card on Maicah Larroza, as their fans booed the match officials.
Adamson’s Red Bascon (16) during the Shakey’s Super League Finals against La Salle. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The rookie out of Adamson high school stayed composed and delivered the game-winning kill to end the two-hour and 34-minute match.
“I always encourage them especially nung fourth set 11-20 yung score sabi ko di pa tapos yung laban kasi kumbaga hindi pa naman 25. Isa isahin natin. Siguro naabsorb nila yun nakita din siguro nila sa akin kumbaga for me hindi pa talo ayusin ninyo yung body language kasi hindi pa tapos yung laban,” said Adamson rookie coach JP Yude.
“Siguro nakita din nila sa akin yung eagerness na ipush sila. Sabi ko sa kanila before pag La Salle kalaban parang dehado na agad, ngayon babaguhin natin yun. Kailangan maging palaban tayo and gustuhin natin manalo,” he added.
Ayesha Juegos also stepped up for Adamson with 13 points. Middle blockers Lorene Toring and Nicole Ancheta had 10 markers each behind the plays of Alcantara, who scored five markers.
Laput erupted for 30 points built on 22 attacks, four blocks, and four aces only for La Salle to fall to the brink of losing the championship. Alleiah Malaluan and Thea Gagate had 14 points each, while Baby Jyne Soreño stepped up with 11 markers.