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UAAP Season 80 Preview: Adamson Lady Falcons

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Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/01/30/adu.jpg"/><figcaption>The Adamson Lady Falcons are expected to return to contention in Season 80. Richard Esguerra, <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/volleyball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – Adamson University has not made the women&#x27;s volleyball Final 4 in the past three years. That brief drought should come to an end in UAAP Season 80.Last season&#x27;s record: 1-13What happened in Season 79?The struggle was very real for the Adamson Lady Falcons in UAAP Season 79.They welcomed a new coach in Air Padda and a star-studded coaching staff that included Cherry Macatangay, Michele Gumabao, and Angge Tabaquero – all former collegiate superstars. Unfortunately for Adamson, their roster last year simply could not compete at a high level. Open spiker Jema Galanza was their only reliable player as everyone else was too young, too inconsistent, and too inexperienced. The result was a brutal season that saw the Lady Falcons lose 13 consecutive matches. They managed to win only two sets before breaking through in their final game of the tournament with a victory over the equally woeful University of the East.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/news/2017/12/15/look-uaap-season-80-volleyball-schedule-34818">LOOK: UAAP Season 80 volleyball schedule</a></li></ul>Key losses: Awit Joaquin, Chumcee Caolo Key returnees: Jema Galanza, Mylene Paat, Fenela Emnas Key additions: Chiara Permentilla, Eli SoyudNow what? <div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/01/30/emnas.jpg"/><figcaption>After sitting out Season 79, setter Fhen Emnas is back for Adamson. Arvin Lim, <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/volleyball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></figcaption></figure></div>After three seasons in the doldrums, the Adamson Lady Falcons are ready to leap back into the rank of contenders.Last year, Galanza was the only Adamson player who could score consistently. This time around, Padda has several more weapons at her disposal, including two former Lady Falcons who decided to return to help the team, and two transferees who are expected to make an immediate impact.After skipping Season 79, both Mylene Paat and Fenela Emnas decided to come back for one last run with the Lady Falcons in Season 80. Their return to the team is a massive boost: Emnas has always been a solid playmaker for Adamson, and Paat is one of the most productive utility spikers in the league.&quot;They are so open and hungry in just wanting to help the team, wanting to learn,&quot; Padda said of the two returning players, who last saw action in Season 78 when Adamson won just three games.Having Paat back will lessen the scoring burden that Galanza carries, and both of them are also expected to serve as the team&#x27;s leaders. Both players have also seen action in club leagues, and their experience will come in handy for Adamson.&quot;Sobrang saya ko kasi bumalik sila,&quot; said Galanza. &quot;Na-miss ko silang kalaro. Iba rin &#x27;yung ambiance kapag and&#x27;yan sila sa loob ng court, and sobrang galling nilang players.&quot;Aside from Paat and Emnas, the most significant additions to Adamson&#x27;s roster are Eli Soyud and Chiara Permentilla. Soyud is familiar to volleyball fans since she spent a couple of seasons in De La Salle University before transferring to Adamson. Permentilla, meanwhile, is a transferee from De La Salle-Lipa, and she introduced herself to volleyball fans when Adamson competed in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) earlier this year.Both Soyud and Permentilla can score in bunches, as they proved in the PVL after Galanza went down with an unfortunate ankle injury. With Galanza nearly back to full fitness, and with Paat now in the team, the two young spikers can focus on providing support for their seniors instead of dealing with the pressure of carrying the team.What can we expect?<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/01/30/jema.jpg"/><figcaption>Jema Galanza has recovered from an ankle injury and is ready to lead the Lady Falcons. Richard Esguerra, <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/volleyball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></figcaption></figure></div>Given the strength of Adamson&#x27;s roster, they should definitely contend for a spot in the Final 4. If the breaks of the game go their way, they may even be in the hunt for a twice-to-beat bonus in the semifinals. Galanza is a legitimate superstar in the UAAP, and the return of Paat and Emnas is a game-changer for their squad.Padda is very much aware of the heightened expectations for her team, and she is not one to wilt in the face of pressure.&quot;I just say that anything is possible,&quot; said the American coach. &quot;Obviously, we have more talent on the team this year, and we have seasoned players.&quot;&quot;We have all the pieces now. We definitely have game-changers on our team. They&#x27;re superstars. The biggest challenge for us is to get them to play as a team, and wanting the team to shine versus wanting &#x27;me&#x27; to shine,&quot; she added.Adamson opens its campaign on February 3 against National University at the Mall of Asia Arena.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Adamson University has not made the women's volleyball Final 4 in the past three years. That brief drought should come to an end in UAAP Season 80.

Adamson University has not made the women's volleyball Final 4 in the past three years. That brief drought should come to an end in UAAP Season 80.

UAAP Season 80 Preview: Adamson Lady Falcons

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UAAP Season 80 Preview: Adamson Lady Falcons

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 30, 2018 06:08 AM PHT

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volleyball

Adamson Lady Falcons

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