Last year’s finish: Seventh
Key loss: Amanda Villanueva
Key additions: Bernadette Flora, Lynne Matias, Maria Fatima Joaquin, Ronjean Momo, Ciarnelle Wanta
WHILE focus is on back-to-back champion Ateneo, rookie-laden Adamson University is training its sights on University of the Philippines.
The Lady Falcons placed a disappointing seventh last season after two straight years in the Final Four.
Now as they look to regain a place in the top half of the eight-team tournament, focus is on the team that placed one spot ahead of them last season — the Lady Maroons.
“Paghahandaan namin ang UP kasi sabi nila maraming magagaling doon, pero team to beat talaga is Ateneo,” she said.
Moving up to the top half could be a tough task for the Lady Falcons, who are now without ace spiker and national team member Amanda Villanueva, and will be parading five rookies.
Skipper Mylene Paat hopes new players Bernadette Flora, Lynne Matias, Maria Fatima Joaquin, Ronjean Momo and Ciarnelle Wanta would quickly find their rhythm in the UAAP.
“Ako ang tumatayong ate nila as a team captain nila kaya nakikinig naman sila, sumusunod sila,” she said.
“Tiwala ako sa team ko ngayon eh. Kailangan magtiwala kami sa isa’t-isa para makarating kami sa goal naming,” said Paat, on her fourth year with the Lady Falcons.
“Ang team namin ngayon magpupursige kami na makaangat sa standings,” she added.
“Siguro tingin ko naman alam naman ng mga teammates ko na gustung-gusto namin makapasok ng Final Four ngayon.”
Returning for Adamson are Jessica Gallanza, Mhay Roque, Fhen Emnas and Erika Alkuino.
Flora and Momo play both the open spiker and utility positions, Matias is a back up setter for Emnas, and Joaquin will handle the middle.
Adamson starts its campaign when it tangles with University of Santo Tomas on February 3.