Lucille Almonte and Karen Verdeflor are looking to concentrate on their studies as the Adamson Lady Falcons officially bowed out of contention in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.
Adamson stalwarts Lucille Almonte and Karen Verdeflor could not keep a tight rein on their emotions after the Lady Falcons ended their UAAP Season 86 campaign on Wednesday.
The Lady Falcons bowed out of the competition with a tough 25-13, 25-17, 25-21 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, a heartbreaking conclusion to a campaign that finished with a 3-11 record, which was a stark contrast from their bronze-medal finish in Season 85.
Adding to the emotional weight, Almonte and Verdeflor, along with Nikka Yandoc, likely played their final game in the collegiate scene.
As Adamson’s bid comes to a close, the seniors hope they have set a positive example to their younger teammates, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire the team in the foreseeable future.
“Siguro po ‘yung legacy na feel ko na madadala nila is ‘yung pagiging Adamsonian talaga namin. As an Adamsonian, alam ng lahat na palaban talaga kami,” Almonte bared.
Verdeflor then chimed in, “Siguro po ‘yung hindi pwedeng bastang sumuko, like ‘yung mga past players ng Adamson, gusto rin namin na maibigay din sa kanila kung paano kami lumaban, sana madala nila next season.”
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Lucille Almonte ends Season 86 campaign with a grateful heart despite Adamson's early exit]
@onesportsphl Once a Falcon, always a Falcon! 🐦 Farm Fresh Foxies' Trisha Tubu and Ckyle Tagsip warmly supported their former UAAP team in the Adamson Lady Falcons against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, which served as their final #UAAPSeason86 match. | via Xander Lauren Cipriano/One Sports Digital #OSOnTheSpot #UAAPonOneSports #FuelingTheFuture #sportsontiktok ? original sound - OneSportsPHL
Though the end of the season is often a time when players look to the future, Almonte and Verdeflor are in no rush of deciding their next career move. The two Lady Falcons are still eligible to play, but have chosen to focus on their studies for the time being.
“Diploma muna, magfa-Finals pa lang,” the pair said in unison.
At the end of the day, both Almonte and Verdeflor felt grateful that Adamson finished its campaign without any significant injuries or setbacks.
“Happy lang din po ako na natapos ‘yung season namin ng maayos,” Verdeflor said.
Almonte then added, “Sobrang happy ng heart ko ngayon na natapos kami na safe ang lahat.”