University of the East against Adamson University in UAAP Season 88. UAAP Media.MANILA — University of the East snapped a six-game skid by defeating first-round victim Adamson University, 25-23, 26-24, 20-25, 25-22, in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.
The Red Warriors now share seventh place with the Soaring Falcons, both holding 2-8 records, giving UE a renewed — albeit slim — chance of making the Final Four.
It was also UE’s first time winning two matches in a season since Season 85, when the team went 5-9 to finish sixth.
“Stick to the basics, because if we overcomplicate our movements, we might struggle to execute,” UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan said after the third set.
“Let’s just go back to our foundation and what we’ve been doing, because the execution will follow.”
After dropping tight games in the first two sets, the Soaring Falcons finally found their rhythm in the third frame to keep their hopes alive.
However, the Red Warriors stayed composed, preventing the match from reaching a deciding fifth set—unlike their earlier 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12 win in the first round.
With Joel Menor and Leo Coguimbal scoring back-to-back points to cut the deficit to two, 22-24, in the fourth set, UE captain Shan Camaymayan sealed the victory with a quick kill.
Roy Piojo continued his strong showing since returning in the second round from a partial MCL tear, finishing with 21 points on attacks, along with eight digs and five receptions.
Raquim Aceron also had 21 points built on 19 spikes and two blocks, to go with 23 excellent receptions, while Camaymayan chipped in 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks.
UE will look to build its first winning streak of the season on Easter Sunday when it faces host University of Santo Tomas at the same venue.
Adamson, meanwhile, now on a three-game losing streak, returns to action on Easter against National University.
The Soaring Falcons’ wing spikers were effectively contained by UE, as middle blockers Leo Coguimbal and Zyro Ornos led the scoring with 11 and nine points, respectively.