The Lady Falcons beat the Chargers in a five-set affair.
The Adamson Lady Falcons have found a second wind in their buildup to the UAAP Season 86 after clinching the 2024 Akari Invitational Cup title on Wednesday night.
With the Akari Chargers and the Nxled Chameleons bannering the six-team tournament, expectations were low that a varsity team would secure the championship. But the Lady Falcons defied the odds, much to the delight of head coach JP Yude.
"Everyday, they learn a lot especially sa liga na 'to. It’s a great experience for them na makita nila na kaya pala namin, kaya naming makipag-kumpetensya sa pro team at sa mga ibang school," Yude bared.
Adamson started off the pre-season tilt with a loss to the Chargers. Jolted to their senses, Lucille Almonte and the Lady Falcons went on a spirited run, dispatching Nxled, Arellano Lady Chiefs, Perpetual Lady Altas and Ateneo Lady Eagles in the preliminaries.
The San Marcelino-based squad would then take on the revenge-seeking Chameleons in the semifinals, but Adamson outlasted the seasoned pros with a five-set escape act.
Heading into the Finals, the Lady Falcons found themselves pitted against the Chargers, who had been riding a 6-0 surge.
Instead of crumbling under pressure, Adamson displayed maturity beyond years and outlasted Akari in a cardiac, five-set affair.
"Nakita nila ‘yung potential nila na if they really need to win talaga at nandun ‘yung thinking na gusto talaga nila manalo, kaya nila eh," the Adamson tactician gushed.
"Sabi ko nga, walang problema ‘yung skills natin. It’s how we think lagi kasi ‘yun ‘yung ma-popossess natin kapag naglalaro tayo."
[READ MORE: Adamson Lady Falcons upset Akari Chargers to rule Akari Invitational Cup]
While Lorene Toring's ACL injury proves to be a major blow for Adamson, Yude tries to look at the positives.
"Hindi naman namin gusto ‘yung nangyari kasi nadulas lang siya sa training nung nag-approach siya so ganun agad ‘yung nangyari," he expressed.
"Kumbaga may better plans si Lord para sa buhay niya so ‘yun na lang ‘yung tinitignan namin na malaking tulong siya for us pero wala na kaming magagawa doon. Naghahanap kami ng paraan na mag-adjust nang wala siya."
[READ MORE: UAAP: Lorene Toring bids farewell to Adamson due to ACL injury]
The Adamson coach hopes that his wards would carry their gains heading into the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournament, which starts on February 17.
"Madadala sa mga bata ‘to na magka-confidence sila pagpasok ng UAAP. We praise God sa mga bata na hindi sila sumuko kahit pagod na sila," the young strategist shared.
"In-encourage ko talaga sila at minotivate na kailangan i-push ‘yun kasi marami tayong matututunan dito pagpasok natin sa UAAP."
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