The Adamson University Lady Falcons soared to the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals after a 25-19, 25-21, and 25-16 semifinal victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Lady Altas on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Lady Falcons needed only 76 minutes to bag the win in straight sets and clinch the first championship seat in the week-long volleyball tournament.
Ayesha Juegos led the way with 29 points and was hailed as the Player of the Game for the Lady Falcons, who are now being coached by JP Yude.
Maria Rochelle Lalongisip banged in 21 points, while veterans Lucille Almonte and Lorene Toring added 15 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Falcons.
“Unang-una, sabi ko nga with God’s will, makakaakyat kami ng finals. Ito na ‘yun, binigay na sa amin. Kailangang paghandaan namin ‘yung finals,” said Yude.
The Lady Falcons notched the first set but were pushed to the brink of absorbing a dent in the second with a 17-21 deficit, only for Juegos, Toring, and Almonte to stage a searing 8-0 closeout.
Adamson then surged to a 6-0 start in the third and never looked back to clinch the win that served as fitting revenge after losing to Perpetual in a friendly match in five sets prior to the SSL.
“Ang mindset namin ay kailangan ma-shutdown ‘yung mga hitters nila. Alam namin na mataas kumpyansa nila (after that win vs. CSB). Kahit paano, nakabawi kami,” added Yude.
Shaila Omipon, Razel Paula Aldea, and Charmaine Ocado had 17, 16, and 14 points, respectively, for Perpetual, as NCAA MVP Mary Rhose Dapol settled for only nine points.
