MANILA, Philippines – Adamson University foiled back-to-back champion University of Santo Tomas' grand slam dream after stealing the crown, 21-23, 21-17, 15-9, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 76 women’s beach volleyball finals at the UE Caloocan sand court.
The newly crowned Lady Falcons, anchored by veteran Sheila Pineda and Amanda Villanueva, dethroned last year’s Maru Banaticla and Pam Lastimosa to bring back the championship to San Marcelino after three years.
"After three years, nabigyan ko na rin ng title ang Adamson. Iba pa rin kapag champion. It was very fulfilling, since last playing year ko na ito," said Pineda, who was named the tournament MVP.
Meanwhile, defending men’s champion National University inched closer to a back-to-back championship after escaping UST in three sets, 21-10, 18-21, 15-11.
The Tigers claimed Game 1 of the finals, 21-15, 21-17, halting the Bulldogs' seven-game winning streak. However, the Espana-based squad needs two more wins to claim the crown due to the thrice-to-beat advantage of the Bulldogs.
The victory was some sort of a sweet revenge for Adamson University, which was swept last year in the Finals by UST, then represented by Banaticla and Judy Caballejo.
The Lady Falcons hold the most number of beach volleyball championships with three, followed by UST.
Pineda said she never doubted the talent and skills of her new partner, Villanueva, after the departure of Pau Soriano, who maximized her UAAP playing years.
"Sobrang tiwala ako kay Amanda (Villanueva), kahit bumibitaw kami hindi kami nagkakanya-kanya. Naguusap-usap kami," she added.
The deciding Game 3 (if necessary) of the men’s is set on Monday at the same venue.