DEFENDING champion National University found Adamson a tough nut to crack before pulling off a 25-22, 25-19, 25-27, 22-25, 15-10 win to remain unbeaten in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs reached match point in the third set but could not get the job done, as Trisha Tubu and Kate Santiago gave the Lady Falcons a lifeline and eventually sending the match to a decider.

“Na-force rin kami ni Adamson talaga na maglaro kung hanggang saan kami. Sa amin sa team, magandang experience din siya kasi last season walang fifth set. Marami pa rin kaming mage-gain doon,” said NU coach Karl Dimaculangan.

Trailing 0-4 in the fifth set, the Lady Falcons battled back and kept things close at 9-10 before the Lady Bulldogs pulled away behind reigning MVP Mhicaela Belen to secure their second straight win.

Alyssa Solomon, who scored a career-high 28 points, knows that the Lady Bulldogs, with the target on their backs, need to be ready in this kind of situations.

“Happy naman po kasi nakita ko kung paano lumaban ang team,” said Solomon. “Yun nga, may kailangan pa rin kaming ma-improve everyday and sa training siguro, doon kami pupukpok. Sa akin kasi, ayokong maranasan ang ganyang five sets, as long as kaya naman.”

Eya Laure had 17 points but drew a lot of support from her teammates as University of Santo Tomas rebounded from its tough five-set loss to La Salle with a 25-16, 28-26, 25-21 win over Far Eastern University.

“Of course, we are happy kasi back on the track kami. Iyun lang naman ang gusto naming mangyari from last game namin. Naka-bounce back kami and hopefully may pangalawa…pangatlo pa itong panalo namin,” said Tigresses coach Kungfu Reyes.

“So na-polish naman namin kung ano man ang naging errors namin noong last game,” he added.

Ateneo also entered the win column but not after yielding third set to University of the East, 25-17, 25-23, 24-26, 25-10.

Faith Nisperos hammered 14 kills while Vanie Gandler also scored 14 points to go along with 11 digs for the Blue Eagles.

Belen had three blocks to finish with 23 points to go along witg 18 receptions and 13 digs, Cess Robles chipped in 13 points, including three service aces, while Erin Pangilinan had two blocks for a 12-point outing for NU.

Kate Santiago paced Adamson with 20 points, including three blocks, and 15 receptions, rookie Tubu had 16 points while Lorene Toring also had three blocks for a 12-point showing.

Being the most senior with the Tigresses, Laure was happy the way the young troops brushed aside the opening day defeat from the hands of the Lady Spikers.

“Kahit paano na-overcome namin yung feeling na natalo kami. Ngayon, pumunta kami sa arena, ready kaming lumaban at makuha ang panalo para sa UST,” said Laure, who also had two blocks, five digs and five receptions.

Jonna Perdido logged 12 points while Renee Peñafiel chipped in 10 points for the Tigresses.

Alyzza Devasora and Jov Fernandez had 14 and 13 points, respectively, for the Lady Tamaraws.

The Lady Warriors, who were led by KC Cepada’s 14-point, six-dig outing, stumbled to their second straight defeat.

Men’s action at the Philsports Arena saw titleholder NU sweeping Adamson, 25-10, 25-17, 28-26, for a 2-0 record. Ateneo outlasted UE, 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 22-25, 15-10, while La Salle down UP, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19, as the two fabled rivals improved to 1-1.