Adamson routs UE as Nitura delivers anew

Adamson University swept past University of the East (UE), 25-20, 25-12, 25-21, to snap an alarming four-game skid and kick off the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament in style on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Falcons, powered by the trio of Shaina Nitura, Mayang Nuique, and Barbie Jamili, improved to a 3-5 win-loss record, breaking their tie with Ateneo de Manila University in the standings.

“I told them that we have to keep motivating and encouraging each other. The second round is a tough climb, but we have to take it one game at a time,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

“We need to focus on every opponent, study them well, and remember that nothing is impossible.”

The Lady Falcons displayed composure in the first set, closing out with a decisive 5-0 run, capitalizing on errors from UE’s Lauritz Ginoo and Van Bangayan, and three straight points from Bascon.

After narrowly escaping the opening, Adamson dominated the second frame, racing to a 17-7 lead and never looking back to secure a commanding 2-0 advantage.

UE showed resilience in the third set, taking a 16-12 lead, but Adamson stormed back with a 6-0 run, highlighted by two Nuique quick attacks and a Jen Villegas ace, to reclaim an 18-16 advantage.

Beatrice Zamudio helped UE stay in the game, leveling the score at 19-all, but clutch plays from Eloi Dote, Red Bascon, and Nitura sealed the Lady Falcons’ first win in five matches.

“We learned a lot from our first-round struggles. We won sets but couldn’t close out matches,” said Nitura, who led Adamson with 18 points on 17 attacks and one block.

“That’s what we’re working on now — if we have the chance to win, we have to take it.”

The loss kept the Lady Warriors winless at 0-8. Khy Cepada managed 10 points, while Bangayan contributed eight. Riza Nogales scored eight points, with five blocks and three aces.

In men’s action, Adamson battled past UE in a gripping five-setter, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12, to open the second round with a victory.

Setter Lourenz Domingo orchestrated Adamson’s balanced attack with 29 excellent sets, leading five players to double-digit scoring.

Middle blocker Leo Coguimbal top-scored with 17 points on 12 spikes and five blocks, while Jude Aguilar and Marc Paulino added 15 points each.

UE, still seeking its first win, suffered its eighth consecutive defeat this season and extended its losing streak to 15 games, dating back to last season.

Axel Defeo led the Red Warriors with 22 points, while rookie Raquim Aceron chipped in 20.

Ateneo de Manila University kicked off its second-round campaign also in men’s play with a dominant 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 victory over University of the Philippines (UP).

Amil Pacinio spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ attack with 17 points, including 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks.

Most Valuable Player race leader Kennedy Batas contributed 14 points on 13 attacks and one ace, while Jian Salarzon added 10.

UP’s Dan Nicolas and Tommy Castrodes scored 10 points each, while Olayemi Raheem tallied nine in a losing effort.