By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. — Ateneo vs UE
10 a.m. — FEU vs UP
2 p.m. — Ateneo vs UE
4 p.m. — FEU vs UP
Adamson pounced on University of the Philippines’ poor reception all game long on the way to a convincing 25-9, 27-25, 25-20 victory yesterday in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
Veteran Mylene Paat tallied 15 points, eight of those off service aces, while skipper Jema Galanza, Joy Dacoron, Chiara Permentilla and setter Fem Emnas did their fair share as the Lady Falcons proved too much for the erratic Lady Maroons.
The victory came on the heels of a tough five-setter over Far Eastern University over the weekend as Adamson jacked up its 2-1, surpassing its woeful 1-13 mark last year that left American coach Air Padda pleased no end.
“It’s a huge accomplishment. Getting our second win feels goods,” she said. “It shows that there’s been improvement in our program and our team is no longer a pushover team like last year.”
Tots Carlos was the lone bright spot for UP with 12 hits, 10 digs and six excellent receptions as the Lady Maroons suffered their second straight setback for a 1-2 mark.
“Talagang focused lang kami sa game ngayon. Less errors rin kami,” said Emnas, who made 34 excellent sets for the top Adamson hitters and even scored eight points as she caught UP’s lousy defense napping several times.
The Lady Maroons’ reception struggles were in full display right on the opening set where the Lady Falcons jumped to a quick 15-3 start, with Paat accounting for five of their first six service aces.
UP appeared more energized in the second frame as it even took a slim 23-22 lead off Tots Carlos’ three straight hits. But Adamson stayed composed, with Dacoron, Paat and Galanza ramming in strong kills.
Then the Lady Falcons sustained their form in the decisive set as they took a 20-15 lead off another Dacoron kill block. The Lady Maroons responded with their own run and pulled within 20-23, only to allow Galanza score another kill and Isa Molde make a costly attack error.