Adamson University displayed grace under pressure in the extended fourth set to beat University of the East, 25-19, 25-19, 26-28, 29-27, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament before a Sunday crowd of 5,844 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a rousing debut for transferee Barbie Jamili, who was not fielded in the first three matches, to help the Lady Falcons return to the win column.
Jamili erupted for 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks along with 12 digs and six excellent receptions for Adamson.
But middle blockers May Ann Nuique and Jen Villegas who made the much-needed hits in the fourth to finish the match for the Lady Falcons and raise their record to 2-2 for solo fifth.
The Lady Warriors threatened to force a decider after a costly rotational fault by the Lady Falcons to reach set point, 27-26.
However, Kayce Balingit returned the favor with an attack that went wide for another deadlock before Nuique’s running spike went off-the-block followed by Villegas’ service ace for the victory.
“The game was intense and I got carried away. Still, good job to the players because they did everything to win and they didn’t let up,” Adamson head coach JP Yude.
AA Adolfo contributed 16 points for the Lady Falcons while rookie Red Bascon also sparkled with 13 points in a starter role.
Karen Verdeflor also took care of the defensive end for Adamson with 16 excellent receptions and 15 digs.
“I would like to thank coach for giving me the chance to help the team. I thank him as well for his patience,” Jamili said.
Adamson will look for its first winning streak of the season when it clashes with Far Eastern University on Saturday at the same Pasay venue.
UE sank to 1-3 in its first game without head coach Jerry Yee, who was suspended by the league for the rest of the season.
Casiey Dongallo led the Lady Warriors, who are now handled by interim coach Obet Vital, with 26 points but went 23-of-90 in her spikes.
UE, meanwhile, will aim to regain its winning ways on Wednesday against De La Salle University on Wednesday also at the MOA Arena.
