Lady Falcons upend NU side in UAAP volley

MANILA, Philippines - Adamson University outlasted National University in a thrilling five-set showdown and hacked out an 18-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-10, 15-9 victory in UAAP Season 74 women’s volleyball action at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Lady Falcons, who came off a straight-set loss to Far Eastern University last Saturday, improved to a 4-2 record to tie idle University of Santo Tomas at third place.

Sheila Pineda came away with 20 points, including three service aces, and 19 digs, while Pau Soriano had 17 hits on top of four blocks and Mayette Zapanta contributed 16 points for the Lady Falcons.

“It’s still a long way to go. We have to train hard during the holiday break,” said Adamson coach Dulce Pante.

The Lady Falcons broke loose from a 3-all count in the deciding fifth set behind Zapanta and Pineda to take a 12-6 lead on their way to victory.

Cai Nepomuceno had 21 hits and two blocks and rookie Myla Pablo made 20 points for the Lady Bulldogs, who opened the season with a victory over University of the Philippines but lost five straight for joint sixth with University of the East.

In men’s play, Ron Jay Galang had 17 hits to again take the lead role for Adamson in a 25-23, 25-16, 25-15 win over University of the Phils.

Myco Antonio had 17 points for the De La Salle Green Archers, who beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-23, 25-14, 25-12, in the other men’s game.

Adamson, De La Salle and UP each has 3-3 win-loss record to share third place, while Ateneo dropped to a 1-7 card for seventh spot.