ADAMSON signed off from UAAP Season 87 with a parting 25-13, 25-21, 25-18 win over the University of the Philippines on the final day of the elimination round on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Shaina Nitura lit the fire on an early 12-point barrage in the opening frame before negating an eight-point scoring spree by the Fighting Maroons in the second frame.
A 5-0 Lady Falcons start in the final set became a 7-6 State U lead, only to fall flat to a late Nitura breakaway for a commanding season-ending win.
The San Marcelino side made a significant leap from last year’s three-win, seventh-place run with five victories topped by a herculean four-set upset of defending champion National U in Round 2.
With three wins in its last four matches, Adamson snatched away fifth-place from UP even as both teams finished prelims play with identical 6-8 records. That's because the former has 20 match points over the latter's 15.
"Ang pinaka-highlight ko this year is yung panalo namin ngayon kasi talagang teamwork yung nangyari kanina," Nitura said.
"Talagang lahat kami, kapag hindi gumagana yung isa, gumagana yung isa. Mag-fall down yung isa, sasalo yung isa. Thankful kami kasi hindi ito yung last, but this is the beginning for another season. Thank you Lord talaga."
Adamson's next flight out
As such, Season 87 becomes the Lady Falcons' best campaign since its breakthrough bronze-medal run in Season 85.
More than anything, it was rookie-captain Nitura who breathed new life to the young white-and-blue with a historic trail no rookie or player has ever treaded in UAAP history.
Her 22-piece in the final act of her first year raises her season total to 371, the most by any UAAP player — men’s or women’s — in the collegiate volleyball tournaments.
Graduating senior Mayang Nuique saved her best in what could be her last act in Adamson with 13 points on 59 percent efficiency.
Over on the losing end, rookie winger Kianne Olango paced their season-ending loss with seven points and 10 digs, as veteran mainstay Irah Jaboneta posted six points, seven digs and eight receptions.
One-and-done Fil-American ace Kassy Doering dished out five points in her farewell match, along with the departing Nica Celis (one block), as the likes of Nina Ytang (four points) and Joan Monares (one attack)' futures still hang in the balance.
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