By Mark Rey Montejo
After two games, it appeared that Shai Nitura and Adamson had already identified the vulnerabilities of the University of Santo Tomas.
It was a tighter battle this time, but the outcome remained the same as Nitura and the Lady Falcons reaffirmed their mastery with a 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 win over the Golden Tigresses to boost their Final Four return bid in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday, April 11.
With a decent crowd inside the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Adamson, steered by Nitura and Frances Mordi, showed grace under pressure after unleashing timely counters to overcome UST’s late rally, especially in the third, to improve to 7-5.
Adamson tied the España-based squad in the standings where they stay within the Top Four race. Far Eastern University, which clashes with UST on Sunday, April 19, is still at No. 5 with a 6-5 card.
In the battle of former Rookie of the Year winners and this year’s MVP contenders, Nitura took the spotlight with a statline of 19 points, 10 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions, while Poyos led UST with 15 points, five digs, and 12 receptions in a losing effort.
Also impressive for the JP Yude-mentored crew was Mordi who tallied 18 points, five digs, and 11 receptions. Lhouriz Tuddao and MJ Aseo added eight and six points, respectively, while Fhei Sagaysay unloaded 21 excellent sets on top of seven points and seven digs.
Reg Jurado aided Poyos offensively with nine points that came with nine digs, while Avril Bron and Jonna Perdido conspired for 15 points.
Meanwhile, UST kept its poise as it withstood Adamson’s early surge and carved out a hard-earned 32-30, 18-25, 25-18, 25-17 win to secure its fourth straight semis appearance.
The Golden Spikers struggled to find their rhythm early despite prevailing in a tightly contested opening set. But behind Josh Ybañez and second-string setter Joshua Avila, UST regrouped in the third and fourth, where they seized enough separation they preserved to hold off a determined Soaring Falcons side.
UST’s 8-4 card is good for the No. 3 spot, joining Far Eastern University (10-1) and reigning champion National University (9-2) in the semis. One semis spot is left with either Ateneo (7-5) or De La Salle (5-7) taking the precious ticket depending on the results of their next games.
