Lady Falcons prevail, hold on to dear life

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson eked out a gritty and lung-busting 25-17, 23-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13 win over also-ran University of the Philippines to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jimy Jean Jamili starred with 16 points on 15 hits as the Lady Falcons clawed back from a 1-2 set deficit for the much-needed win in the UAAP’s return at the historic venue after an absence of three decades.

Adamson climbed to 3-8 albeit with no control of its own fate for the last Final Four slot, lagging way behind fourth-running Far Eastern U (6-4) that sports a pretty chance to end the race once and for all in a key battle against Santo Tomas (10-1) at press time.

FEU has to win only once, regardless of the result of its tussle against leader Santo Tomas, in its last three matches to reach the magic number of seven wins. Adamson, Ateneo (3-8) and University of the East (2-8) could only get as high as six wins given a sweep of their assignments the rest of the way.

But first things first for the Lady Falcons, who took care of their bargain to snap a costly six-game losing skid and stay alive, for now, with the help from May Ann Nuique (15), Jen Villegas (12) and Red Bascon (10).

“Maganda ‘yung start namin pero bumaba sa middle sets, in the end nakuha namin,” said coach JP Yude.

“Wag tumigil kasi wala namang imposible kung gugustuhin talaga nila. ‘Yung willingness lagi na manalo, nandoon.”

Down 1-2 and on the brink of elimination, Adamson – which made short work of UP in the first round via sweep – stared at a 20-22 deficit in the fourth set only to unleash a 4-1 closeout to force a decider.