ADAMSON University clinched a Final Four spot for the first time in nine years after fending off the University of the Philippines, 25-20, 27-25, 23-25, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The Lady Falcons, who prior to this season last entered the semifinals back in UAAP Season 76 (2013-14), improved to 9-4.
Knotted at 23-all in the third frame, Louie Romero committed a costly service error before Steph Bustrillo blocked Kate Santiago in the ensuing play to force a fourth set for UP.
But the Lady Falcons’ fightback in the fourth salvo was unstoppable, opening it 16-7 en route to the lopsided clincher to end the game in two hours and 15 minutes.
“Mahirap talaga yung teams na dahil wala nang hinahabol si UP so wala ng pressure sa kanila, kami yung medyo naging complacent lalo nung third set, nung fourth nakadeliver naman okay na rin,” said Adamson assistant coach Rald Ricafort.
“Sobrang happy kasi nine years, ngayon lang ulit kami nakapasok ng Final Four. Hindi kami pwedeng magstop there dahil marami pang games na pwedeng laruin,” said Lady Falcons outside hitter Lucille Almonte, who topscored with 13 kills and collected 20 digs, and 10 receptions.
Trisha Tubu added 11 points, all from attacks, while Lorene Toring also chimed in 11 points including a team-high three blocks.
Lady Falcon’s libero Karen Verdeflor also had a field day with 21 digs and 17 excellent receptions as they received 33 free points off UP’s errors.
Niña Ytang and Jewel Encarnacion made 15 points apiece with the former notching four blocks while the latter tallied 10 digs to her name.
Bustrillo also had 14 points for the Fighting Maroons, who suffered their ninth straight defeat at 1-11.
UP will be back on Wednesday against the winless University of the East, while Adamson will cap the eliminations on April 30 against Far Eastern University, both at Filoil EcoOil Centre.