Adamson Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA — The Adamson Lady Falcons finally scored a victory in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

The San Marcelino-based squad emerged victorious over the UP Fighting Maroons in straight sets, and this was not only the first win of Adamson, but also of new Lady Falcons mentor JP Yude in the collegiate ranks with AdU.

“Medyo kinabahan din ako eh,” said Yude, who steered the 14-0 Adamson Baby Falcons to its first high school girls title just two weeks ago.

The champion coach explained how he wanted the Lady Falcons to finish it already in three sets, especially since they were facing the Maroons who were also hungry for their first win.

“I want na matapos na yung game para ‘di na makakuha ng kumpyansa yung UP. But still, pinakita ng mga bata yung tapang nila at hindi nila binitawan yung [third] set,” he continued.

“Fortunately, nakuha namin yung set at napanalo namin yung game.”

This was a good development for Yude who lost in his debut game against the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers, and he bared that this game and how they won was a good confidence booster for his team.

“Last game, na-overwhelm sila sa mga nangyari, sa kalaban, kasi nga, malalaki. Ang nakikita ko sa kanila, ito na yung start na makakakuha sila ng kumpyansa,” said Yude, while also pointing out how he wants his team to slowly build their identity.

“Improvement talaga yun ng mga bata. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, pag lamang tayo mas i-push natin na matapos agad yung game, pero pag lamang yung kalaban, i-push din natin na manalo tayo.”

“It’s a test of character din eh, and their attitude, kung paano ma-overcome yung mga gantong sitwasyon,” he added.

Still, he acknowledges that there is still a long way for Adamson if they want to realize their goals this year.

“Siguro, we will work it out pa every game,” Yude said when asked about closing out sets when they are in command.

“We’ll work hard for it, kasi hindi naman basta yon ibibigay samin. There are more challenges to come,” he said.

He also emphasized again how it will take more than his girls’ talents for them to succeed moving forward.

“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, it’s always your character and attitude. Yung skills niyo, andyan na yan eh, pero pag once maiba yung attitude natin, dun talaga natetest.”

“Kailangan namin, one game at a time at trabahuhin every time,” he ended. 

For now, Adamson will be turning their focus on National University whom they will be facing on Wednesday, 2 PM, at the Araneta Coliseum.

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