UAAP volleyball: Adamson fends off UP to give coach JP Yude his first win

Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. – UAAP

MANILA, Philippines–Adamson University escaped a dizzying third set and walloped University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26, to post its first win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Spiker Rochelle Lalongisip unloaded 11 attacks out of 12 points and had 16 digs while middle blocker May Ann Nuique likewise scored 12 and had two aces for the Lady Falcons.

“I got nervous in the third set. I wanted the game to end as quickly as we can to prevent UP from gaining confidence,’’ said Adamson coach JP Yude on his first victory as Lady Falcons coach.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

The Lady Maroons, now winless in two games, were on the verge of stealing the last set in a bid to extend the match, but a couple of miscues near the end put their plans askew.

“We really planned on how to beat them, because a win will give us confidence in our succeeding games. As a team, there’s so much to improve on,’’ said Lalongisip, whose crushing down-the-line hit at set point enabled them to seize command after the second frame.

Ayesha Juegos delivered back-to-back kills and Nuique’s push near the sideline put the Lady Falcons ahead going into the second set.

Then it was Lalongisip’s turn to sparkle, hitting a pair of air strikes on the same spot that pushed the Lady Maroons into a deeper hole.

“It’s a big responsibility to protect the middle. We have discussed at the dugout that we should be ready to fill in the gaps,’’ said Nuique after filling the spot left by Honey Toring, who brought her act to the professional ranks.

TEST OF CHARACTER

Adamson coach JP Yude. –UAAP PHOTO

UP managed to keep it on an even keel on the third frame and even stretched the third set further on the efforts of Ytang and Danica Celis.

But a net touch by Ytang on the final play eventually rewarded the Lady Falcons the victory.

Ytang led the Lady Maroons with 18 points and six blocks, Giesha Capistrano had 25 digs and 15 receptions while Mikaela Magsombol tossed 14 excellent sets in UP’s second consecutive defeat.

“This was a test of character and attitude on how they can overcome this kind of situation. They showed courage out there and just kept fighting,’’ said Yude.

Antonette Adolfo contributed 11 points and Lucille Almonte added eight points, two aces and 14 receptions for the Lady Falcons, who gallantly defended the UP assault with help coming from Joahna Verdeflor’s 21 digs and 12 receptions.