Despite the departure of their star players, the Lady Falcons remain as dangerous as ever.
The Adamson Lady Falcons looked poised for a possible title run in UAAP Season 86, building upon what was a milestone Season 85.
However, with the departure of their stars during the offseason, fans were left wondering—what could have been?
Despite this, Adamson has shown it's still a team that can go toe-to-toe against the best teams in the league.
Head coach: JP Yude
Key losses: Gerry Yee, Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Louie Romero, Ckyle Tagsip, Cae Lazo
Key returnees: Lucille Almonte, Karen Verdeflor
Season 85 record: 10-4 (3rd place)
Losing several stars would usually entail a rebuilding season for most teams—but not the Lady Falcons.
During the team’s pre-season tilts, Adamson proved that they were worthy contenders for the championship.
In the 2023 Shakey's Super League National Invitationals, the Lady Falcons finished second, just behind Season 85 champions, DLSU Lady Spikers.
Come the 2024 Akari Cup, the San Marcelino-based squad would go on to shock many by defeating the Nxled Chameleons and Akari Chargers en route to the title.
[ALSO READ: Akari Cup title serves as boost for Adamson heading to UAAP Season 86, says JP Yude]
A large part of Adamson’s success has largely been in part of the familiarity of the players with one another and the system.
According to team captain Lucille Almonte, coach JP Yude, who also coaches the high school girls' team of Adamson, has been making sure that the rookies and seniors have been blending well in preparation for the season.
“Thankful lang din ako na ngayon hindi kami masyadong nahirapan kay coach Yude kasi nung Season 84 naging part siya ng coaching staff namin, so most of us kilala na siya kung paano siya mag-handle ng team,” Almonte told One Sports.
“Parang nandun na talaga 'yung adjustment na kahit siya nag-aadjust din siya sa amin,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Fresh start: Lucille Almonte is ready to step up for Adamson after departure of key players]
The same sentiment was shared by libero Karen Verdeflor, who is also taking on a bigger role come Season 86.
“Hindi naman mahirap 'yung transition lalo sa mga rookie kasi galing silang high school, same system lang coach Yude, so madali lang makihalobilo sa kanila every time na bago sila sa team,” said Verdeflor.
The Lady Falcons will head into Season 86 with momentum on their side and a clear goal of making the Final Four once more and possibly competing for the crown.