BY ABBY TORALBA
ADAMSON University opened its V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on a winning note, outlasting College of St. Benilde 25-21, 28-26, 23-25, 25-16 yesterday at the Paco Arena.
Middle blocker Joshua Magalaman scored 13 points, while Ned Paquing and JM Tropia delivered 12 kills each for the Soaring Falcons.
“Ang sabi ko sa mga players ko first game natin after the pandemic so umpisahan natin ng maganda,” said debuting Admason coach George Pascua. “Let’s see, kailangan ma-sustain. Satisfied in general pero medyo disappointed ako noong third set kasi 11 service errors (kami). Talagang mahirap manalo.
“Pero again, sabi ko nga sa kanila ‘wag ninyong isipin iyong errors, isipin ninyo paano tatalunin iyong kalaban,” he added.
Roniey Adviento and Georgie Guani scored 15 points apiece for the Blazers, while Aguilar finished with four points, 13 excellent receptions, and six digs.
In the second game, Ateneo trounced San Beda University 25-19, 17-25, 25-17, 25-23.
Amil Pacinio Jr. pumped in 17 points, 14 excellent receptions, and six digs while Jian Salarzon scored 13 markers for the Blue Eagles.
“First, I was really happy with their game lalo na itong last portion ng fourth set. Buti nalang nakinig sila sa instructions kasi iyon iyong nangyari kasi nung mga lapses namin during all throughout the whole game,” Ateneo strategist Timmy Sto. Tomas said.
“They forgot the pattern. They forgot to stick to the system so ang nangyari pinilit nila iyong gusto nilang gawin. I was very happy that kahit papaano nakabawi sila sa dulo.”
Kevin Montemayor got 14 kills, while Andrie Balik and Kenrod Umali had 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Red Spikers.
