Adamson University eked out a 25-22, 25-22, 28-26 victory over the University of the Philippines to give new coach JP Yude his first collegiate win in the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
In the third set, Niña Ytang kept the Fighting Maroons in the match by scoring five points to tie the score at 26. However, May Ann Nuique responded with a powerful running attack, and Ytang responded with a quick kill to tie the score.
However, the Lady Falcons challenged the UP middle blocker's net touch and won the review, leading to a straight-sets win in one hour and 42 minutes.
"Nung nageensayo kami, sabi ko sa players ko kasi kailangan natin to give our best every time sa pagtitraining para madala natin sa paglalaro. Kanina yun yung nangyari," said Yude, who steered the Baby Falcons to a historic first high school girls volleyball title via 14-0 sweep two weeks ago.
The Fighting Maroons rallied from 14-21 down in the second frame with Irah Jaboneta, Ytang, and Jenn Gould providing the goods to pull within two, 22-24, but Ishie Lalongisip hammered an off-the-block kill for the Lady Falcons' commanding 2-0 lead.
The Lady Falcons now hold a 1-1 record while the Fighting Maroons stayed winless in two games.
"Pinagplanuhan po namin itong game namin para dito kami kukuha ng kumpyansa para sa mga next games namin. Alam po namin na marami pa kaming maipapakita sa next games," said Ishie Lalongisip, who had 12 points, 16 digs, and seven receptions in the win.
Nuique, stepping up for Lorene Toring who missed her final year due to ACL injury, added 12 points while AA Adolfo chalked up 11 points to her name as both players made two service aces each.
Ytang uncorked 18 points in the losing cause including six of UP's eight blocks.
Liberos from both schools showed up as Lady Falcon Karen Verdelor tallied 21 digs and 12 receptions while Fighting Maroon Giesha Capistrano produced 25 digs and 15 receptions.
Up next for Adamson is National University on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 2 p.m., while UP faces neighbor Ateneo de Manila University at 4 p.m.
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