Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Adamson University barged into the semifinals after a three-year absence with a quick work of Far Eastern University, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Usual suspects Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi did most of the damage as the Lady Falcons collected a third straight victory to close the elimination round with a 9-5 win-loss record.

Photo: UAAP

Adamson joined unbeaten De La Salle University and three-peat-seeking National University in the next round.

“I am very happy and blessed with the players I have now, with how they performed. They always responded to the situation. Earlier, the game was up and down but until the end, they held on. They responded well during the game. God is really good,” Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude said.

Nitura finished with 18 points on 12 attacks, four aces and two kill blocks while putting up 10 excellent receptions and six digs in an all-around performance for the Lady Falcons, who only needed 91 minutes to dispose of the Lady Tamaraws.

Photo: UAAP

Mordi added 12 points while Third Tuddao posted 10 for Adamson, which can still vie for a semis twice-to-beat advantage via playoff if NU (9-3) drops its remaining two outings for a tie at 9-5.

FEU slipped to a 7-6 card in fifth spot, now forced to win its last elims game against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday stay in the hunt for the last semis seat.

Gerz Petallo was the lone Lady Tamaraw in double figures with 11 points while Alyzza Devosora got nine markers.