Hala, Bira!!: UAAP Volleyball Clash: Falcons Soar Above Tigresses; Tamaraws Bow Down to Archers

Photos by Rivals PH

Results:

ADU def. UST in five thrilling sets: 25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 28-30, 16-14

DLSU def. FEU in straight sets: 29-27, 25-23, 25-20

Views:

Adamson Lady Falcons

Good floor defense and Reliable attackers

At first, I thought that Adamson will never be a Final Four contender this season but after watching their first game I immediately changed my mind. They still got perfect receiving skills and the urge to save all the balls no matter what happens. Jema Galanza was really superb and smart during their game. Her performance was outstanding where she garnered 28 big points for her squad. I truly believe that she will be the next Shiela Pineda and if not maybe greater than her.

On the other hand, Mylene Paat showed that she got the guts and skills to be the captain of this team because she contributed consistently through spikes and blocks. I would also like to commend the performance of the sophomore May Roque due to the fact that she brought the "bangis" factor for her squad not to mention that she also contributed 13 points. Their libero Jellie Tempiatura was amazing as always; receiving and digging every balls that comes on her way. Erika Alkuino also contributed but she needs to focus more on reading the opponent's setter in order to block properly. Mary Joy Dacoron should also show some improvement by reducing her errors and contribute spikes and blocks efficiently.

Jema Galanza leading her squad - Photo by Richard Esguerra

UST Lady Tigresses

One-man team

Their performance was great but they relied too much on their sophomore Cherry Rondina. I know that she's the one who got this scorching energy and was able to penetrate Adamson's defense but the veterans should have their ways as well. Mela Tunay was sidelined after first set due to the fact that she only contributed a single point to her team. EJ Laure, their captain was also marked during the first two sets and unable to do much properly. Furthermore, Marivic Meneses was good in blocking but should also start to add spikes as her points too.

Overall, I think they just need more firepower and contribution for each members of the squad in order to win their next games.

Cherry Rondina scores against Adamson's two towers- Photo by Richard Esguerra

DLSU Lady Spikers

Getting back the groove

Indeed, the Lady Spikers are slowly coming back to their old playing form because almost all of them finally discovered their finishing instinct. Ara Galang who was unable to play the Finals-Series last season due to ACL Injury showed during their game that she's still a force to fear. She still serves well and defends the floor superbly. It's true that she's still adjusting when she's going to spike but I know that few games later she will surely be 100% back.

Carol Cerveza also showcased her hidden skills as she was the one who consistently scores for her squad through spiking while Mika Reyes topped the block contribution. I also noticed the improvement of their libero Dawn Macandili because she's faster and more agile during the game. Moreover, their new captain and setter Kim Fajardo let the audience view how attacking setters contribute to their team. She proved that she's not only trained to provide plays for her spikers but also know how to contribute offensively. Their rookie, May Luna also contributed a lot and a very promising spiker.

If La Salle continue this kind of performance, I definitely believe that among all the teams they are the ones who have the greatest chance to beat Ateneo in the Finals.

Ara Galang prepares her lethal jump serve- Photo by Richard Esguerra

FEU Lady Tamaraws

Lack of maturity

Toni Rose Basas was the lone star during their first game while the rest just can't put up their own fight. She managed to score double-digit despite of tall blockers in front of her. Their captain Remy Joy Palma contributed point but is inconsistent. Bernadeth Pons was also stopped while Jerilli Malabanan could not kill the balls given to her. The return of Giselle Sy really made a lot of impact for she provided perfect sets but unfortunately if the spikers were not ready to kill the ball then perfect sets were useless.

FEU needs to gain their composure and unlock the things they need to achieve maturity and mental toughness as well to survive this season.