Adamson Breaks Five-Game Skid, Outscores UP in Four-Set Thriller

Adamson University snapped its five-game losing streak by overcoming the University of the Philippines in a tightly contested four-set match, 25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23. This victory marked the Soaring Falcons' first win of the second round in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament, held on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

With the win, Adamson joined the University of the Philippines and the UE Red Warriors in a three-way tie for sixth place, all with 3-10 records. The Soaring Falcons are now focused on finishing their season strong.

“We just told the team to play with pride for the school,” said Adamson head coach Raffy Mosuela. “We didn’t want to just have a fluke first round. We pushed ourselves to continue the fight in the second round. Even if we can’t make the Final Four, we still want to finish strong and bring pride to the school.” Mosuela also recalled Adamson’s dramatic first-round win over UP, 25-21, 28-26, 22-25, 25-27, 15-13.

The Fighting Maroons started the fourth set with a 9-4 lead, threatening to force a deciding fifth set. But Adamson fought back, staying within striking distance and eventually seizing control in the final moments.

Richard Besorio tied the game at 23-all with a clever push shot. Adamson’s solid blocking, ranked third in the league, put them on match point after Leo Coguimbal stopped Olayemi Raheem’s spike attempt. A powerful serve from Lourenz Domingo forced a poor reception from UP, and Tommy Castrodes’ ensuing attack failed to cross the net, giving Adamson the win in 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Besorio, a rookie from Iloilo, led all scorers with 23 points, including 20 attacks and 3 blocks, plus 12 excellent receptions. Coguimbal contributed a match-high six blocks and added nine attacks for a 15-point performance. Domingo also impressed, recording 19 excellent sets, eight digs, and seven points.

Adamson will conclude its season on Saturday against Far Eastern University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Castrodes led UP with 19 points, 14 receptions, and eight digs, while Raheem and Milven Francisco chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Fighting Maroons will wrap up their season against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.