ORDER RESTORED: Lady Falcons back on winning track, crush Lady Warriors

Adamson University needed to experience a stinging loss before displaying its killer form.

After suffering a straight-set defeat at the hands of powerhouse De La Salle University, the Lady Falcons are back in harness as they crush University of the East, 25-20, 25-15, 25-12, in Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Shai Nitura was impressive while the rest of the Lady Falcons tightened up their defensive screws in the second and third sets to essay their second victory that came at the heels of their heartbreaking straight-set loss to the Lady Spikers last Saturday.

Nitura, who pumped in 16 attacks, a block and an ace for an 18-hit performance, emphasized the importance of fighting through adversity.

“We need to go through challenges like that because we won’t learn if we don’t experience them. If we don’t get to know defeat, how will we recognize victory?” said Nitura, billed as the league’s hottest rookie in the early stretch of this prestigious collegiate league.

Assisting Nitura in restoring order for the San Marcelino-based spikers are Nigerian winger Frances Mordi and Mayang Nuique, who logged 11 and nine points, respectively.

Lady Falcons coach JP Yude said they worked hard to address their lapses during their previous match, leading to a more cohesive performance against the Lady Warriors.

That cohesion was on full display in the third set when the Lady Falcons intensified their assault while employing an airtight defense that greatly demoralized the Lady Warriors en route to the masterful win that lasted for 78 minutes.

“I always remind them that we start our training by working on our lapses so that applying it during the game becomes easier,” Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude said.

Yude also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong mental state on the eve of their matches to ensure that his team is poised to deliver top performances even under pressure.

“I also encourage them to set their minds the night before on what they need to do for the next day’s game,” said Yude, who used to be the team captain of the Soaring Falcons in Season 80 in 2018.

The duo of Van Bangayan and Khy Cepada provided firepower with 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Warriors, who remain winless in three outings heading into a blockbuster match against reigning champion National University (NU) on Saturday.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas secured its second consecutive win with a commanding 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 triumph over La Salle in the men’s division.

Popoy Colinares spearheaded the attack with 17 points, tallying 15 kills, five blocks, and an ace for the Tigers, who improved to a 2-1 record together with NU and Ateneo de Manila University.

He received ample support from JJ Macam and Jayrack Dela Noche, who scored 10 and 12 points, respectively.

The Green Spikers dropped to 1-2, tying the University of the Philippines for sixth place.

Adamson also finally broke through, pulling off a 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17 victory over the struggling Red Warriors in the first match of the day.

The victory snapped the Falcons’ eight-game losing streak and marked the first win under new head coach Raffy Mosuela.

“I’m happy with my first win as the head coach of Adamson. The lessons we learned from studying our opponent were worth it,” Mosuela, whose wards last won on 23 March last year when it also defeated UE in four sets in the second round.

Jude Aguilar led the Falcons with 17 points, including 14 attacks and three blocks, while Leo Coguimbal delivered 16 points with a game-high eight blocks, six attacks, and two aces.