A dramatic development of the season, the Adamson team officially ended the series of defeats lasting eight matches, bringing joy and new hope to fans.
A Challenging Start
On March 1, 2024, the SM Mall of Asia Arena set the stage for a thrilling showdown between Adamson University and the University of the East (UE) in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. With determination and thorough preparation, Adamson secured an impressive victory over UE with a score of 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17. This triumph not only brought joy to the team but also ended an eight-game losing streak, marking a pivotal turning point in their journey.
The match began unfavorably for Adamson, as they narrowly lost the first set 27-29. Despite some brilliant plays, inaccuracies in their attacks proved costly. However, this setback didn’t dampen the players’ spirits. They regrouped with a strong resolve to overcome the challenge and leave their mark on the match.
An Impressive Comeback
After losing the first set, the Soaring Falcons made a powerful comeback. Key players like Jude Aguilar and Leo Coguimbal breathed new life into the team. This victory was Adamson’s first under their new head coach, Raffy Mosuela—a significant milestone in their journey. It was not just a win but a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. With this victory, Adamson’s record improved to 1-2, tying them for sixth place with De La Salle University Green Spikers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. This indicates that they are gradually regaining their form and have a chance to climb higher in the tournament. Each match is an opportunity to improve, and Adamson seized this chance effectively.
Coach Mosuela’s Joy
Head coach Raffy Mosuela couldn’t hide his joy as he shared, “I am thrilled to get my first win as Adamson’s head coach. The lessons from this game are invaluable to us.” His words reflect the team’s determination and hunger for success under his leadership. Coach Mosuela has brought a fresh approach to the team, and this victory is a well-deserved reward for their relentless efforts. The positive energy within the team has been instrumental in boosting morale and creating a winning mindset.
Dominance in the Final Set
Riding high from their momentum in the third set, the Soaring Falcons surged ahead to a 19-10 lead in the fourth set. Powerful backrow attacks by Ricardo Obeda and attacking errors from their opponents helped Adamson solidify their advantage. Confidence soared within the team, and they were determined not to let this opportunity slip away.
Their teamwork created spectacular and effective plays. A quick attack by Jason Ballon, combined with Aguilar’s powerful back-row strikes, secured Adamson’s first win in Season 87. The team’s seamless coordination opened up multiple scoring opportunities, leaving UE struggling to keep up. This performance showcased Adamson’s return to peak form, ready for upcoming challenges.
UE’s Struggles Continue
For UE, this defeat deepened their woes as they remain winless in Season 87. Their current 0-3 record marks their 10th consecutive loss since Round 2 of Season 86. This poses a significant challenge they need to overcome. UE must identify the root causes of these setbacks and make the necessary adjustments to improve their standing. In the third set, UE showed signs of recovery, narrowing the gap from 20-16 to 20-18.
However, precise attacks by Aguilar and critical mistakes by the Red Warriors allowed Adamson to take a 2-1 lead. Notably, a cross-court spike by Dan Gutierrez leveled the score at 1-1. Adamson’s focus and determination in each play were key to their success in this match.
Costly Errors
Coach Mosuela pointed out that unnecessary errors affected the outcome. “In the first set, we made too many avoidable mistakes. The players need to understand that our own errors cost us the set,” he emphasized. This self-awareness is a crucial first step for the team’s future improvement. Learning from their mistakes will make them stronger. Adamson dominated the blocking category with 18 blocks compared to UE’s 8. Their exceptional defense stopped many of UE’s attacks, creating more offensive opportunities. Coguimbal, with 8 blocks, played a pivotal role in protecting the net. A solid defensive line was one of the key factors behind Adamson’s victory.
Outstanding Scoring Performance
Jude Aguilar scored 17 points, including 14 attacks and 3 blocks. Alongside 4 excellent digs, he proved to be one of the team’s key players. Leo Coguimbal also made a significant contribution with 16 points, including 8 blocks and 6 attacks. These statistics reflect Adamson’s offensive and defensive strength, with each player’s contribution being crucial to the team’s overall success. This dynamic scoring helped establish a solid foundation for their victory and demonstrated the effectiveness of their game plan.
Contributions from Other Players
In addition to Aguilar and Coguimbal, other players like Mark Paulino and Ahmed Tahiluddin made important contributions to the victory. Paulino scored 8 points from 6 attacks and 2 blocks, while Tahiluddin added 5 points along with 18 excellent receptions. These contributions created a powerful collective strength for Adamson. Each player played a vital role in the team’s strategy, and their unity helped them overcome difficulties. The synergy among the players was instrumental in executing their plans effectively against UE.
UE’s Painful Defeat
The Red Warriors faced a tough loss, with Steve Aligayon leading the scoring effort with 23 points from 20 attacks. However, his efforts weren’t enough to turn the game around. Roy Piojo also had a strong performance with 17 points, but the team’s inconsistency in play prevented them from securing a win. Tactical shortcomings and a lack of coordination among players were key challenges for UE. The inability to maintain focus and execute plays consistently has been a recurring issue that they must address moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Adamson ended their losing streak and regained their confidence. They will face the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, March 1, hoping to maintain this impressive momentum. Confidence has returned, and they need to capitalize on this to achieve better results. If they continue to improve and maintain consistency, Adamson has the potential to go far in the tournament. On the other hand, UE must find a way to overcome their challenges.
They will continue their quest for a breakthrough win against the defending champions, National University. Improving individual skills and tactics will be crucial for them to secure victories in future matches. They need a clear plan and determination from both the coaching staff and players to overcome this hurdle.
Tactical Analysis
One of the key factors behind Adamson’s victory was their flexible offensive strategy and synchronized gameplay. They demonstrated the ability to adjust tactics in different situations, maximizing their scoring opportunities. Coordination among players in offensive plays created numerous chances, and their powerful back-row attacks consistently pressured their opponents. This adaptability allowed them to exploit weaknesses in UE’s defense effectively.
Team Spirit and Support
Team spirit and mutual support among the players were essential elements of Adamson’s success. They showed great unity and fighting spirit, which contributed to their collective strength. Encouragement from teammates boosted their confidence, clearly reflected in their gameplay. This camaraderie is vital in a team sport like volleyball, where trust and communication can make all the difference in high-pressure situations.
A Motivational Milestone
Adamson’s comeback victory not only broke their losing streak but also signaled a revival of their competitive spirit. As they continue their journey in Season 87, this win serves as a motivational milestone, inspiring them to strive for even greater achievements. The lessons learned from this match will be invaluable as they face new challenges ahead, and the determination shown will be crucial in their quest for success in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament.
