Adamson Lady Falcons Claim First Win of UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament
February 24, 2024 | 4:45pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Adamson Lady Falcons secured their first victory of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament by defeating a resilient UP Fighting Maroons team with a score of 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 on Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Falcons had a comfortable lead of four points, 18-14, in the third set after a cross-court kill by Jen Villegas. However, a comeback by UP, highlighted by a service ace from Dannica Celis, narrowed the gap to just one point, 18-17.
The Fighting Maroons managed to tie the game and took the lead, 22-21, with consecutive blocks by Nina Ytang. Adamson responded with crucial points from Lucille Almonte and Villegas to regain a 23-22 advantage.
Both teams exchanged points, leading to a tie at 24-all, before an attack off the blockers by Irah Jaboneta pushed the set to an extension. Despite UP saving two match points, Adamson prevailed as Mayang Nuique delivered a decisive running attack to secure a 27-26 lead.
The game concluded in an anticlimactic manner as Nina Ytang, who had a standout performance, was called for a net touch.
Ishie Lalongisip and Mayang Nuique each contributed 12 points to lead Adamson to their first win of the season. AA Adolfo added 11 markers, including eight attacks, two service aces, and a block.
Ytang led UP with 18 points, but it was not enough to prevent the team from suffering their second consecutive defeat in the season. Jaboneta and Jenn Gould chipped in with six points each for the Fighting Maroons.
Adamson is set to face the NU Lady Bulldogs next on Wednesday, February 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UP will take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Battle of Katipunan on the same day.
