Adamson also has a shot of securing a twice-to-beat advantage.
Redemption time for the Lady Falcons.
After falling short in Season 84, the San Marcelino-based team has finally made it to the Final Four of UAAP women’s volleyball. Prior to this milestone, they missed out on the semifinals in nine years.
The Lady Falcons achieved the feat on Saturday after beating the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 27-25, 23-25, 25-15.
The last Adamson group to reach the Final Four featured Bang Pineda, Amanda Villanueva, Jema Galanza, and Mylene Paat, all of whom have carved respected pro careers.
“This season, gusto naming bumawi,” ace Lucille Almonte told the media after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena. She scored 13 points off 13 attacks.
Libero Karen Verdeflor was hailed Player of the Game with 21 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions, while opposite spiker Trisha Tubu and middle blocker Lorene Toring each pitched in 11 points.
It is especially meaningful for Tubu, who is in her rookie year for Adamson, which could mean she can do this for a few more years.
But for this Season 85, they don’t want to be complacent. Not like how they did in the third set, which they dropped against UP.
“Marami pang dapat trabahuhin para 'di masayang,” Tubu acknowledged. “Mental toughness din po 'yung iwo-work namin, doon kami lahat aangat kung paano mag-isip sa game this coming semifinals.”
They still have one hurdle if they want a shot at the second twice-to-beat advantage spot, and that is getting past the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, a team that excels in floor defense. They play on April 30.
“’Pag nawala 'yung complacency, maraming mararating. Hopefully,” assistant coach Rald Ricafort said.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)