By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Adamson University Lady Falcons are back in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Final Four after dispatching the Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-22, 26-28, 25-15, 25-17, in the final elimination phase of Season 85 last April 30, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the much-needed victory over FEU, the Lady Falcons just formalized its spot in the Final Four and will be facing the defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in the semifinals.
Despite a shaky start from Adamson in the opening set, Kate Santiago put the team on her back after single-handedly out-pointing FEU in the last six possessions.
Santiago was just dominant on both ends of the floor and recorded the final spike kill to help Adamson escape FEU’s hot start.
Although FEU came back in the second set in a nip-and-tuck affair, Adamson stuck to their game plan and opened up a huge lead in the third.
Trisha Tubu, one of the most consistent spikers of Season 85, also stepped up when Adamson needed her the most.
The high-flying outside hitter backstopped Santiago and contributed 18 points built from 20 successful attacks.
FEU duplicated its good start in the fourth set but the duo of Santiago and Tubu helped Adamson pull away midway through the frame.
“Opportunity ito for greatness. Yung mga kalaban namin nakakakuha naman tayo ng set or two so ibig sabihin pwede, ibig sabihin may chance. Anytime na may chance na pwedeng ilaban, laro lang, laban lang,” said Adamson head coach Jerry Yee after the win.
It was an impressive regular season outing for Adamson after ending their elimination campaign with a 10-4 win-loss record while clinching the third spot in the Final Four.
