Adamson University overpowered the University of the Philippines, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19, to claim a share of third place at the end of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball first round on Sunday, March 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With this bounce-back win, the Lady Falcons created a three-way tie for third to fifth places with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, all holding 4-3 records.

It was Adamson's most successful first-round run since Season 85 (2023), when coach Jerry Yee’s squad finished 5-2 en route to a third-place finish.

“We are really glad na ngayon since paghawak ko sa kanila, ito ‘yung best record for the first round, but still marami pa kaming iwowork on para sa second round ready kami ulit to compete again,” said JP Yude on his team's best first-round performance since becoming the Lady Falcons head coach in 2024.

The Fighting Maroons came out firing in the third set, aiming to extend their stay in the game, and led 12-9 early with contributions from Fina Ali, Bienne Bansil, and Joan Monares.

However, the Lady Falcons refused to let the match slip away. Third Tuddao, Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Fhei Sagaysay combined efforts to turn the set around and secure the victory in one hour and 19 minutes.

Mordi, the Nigerian outside spiker, finished the match with back-to-back hits after being blocked by Ali at the net. She first delivered a through-the-block kill, followed by a sharp crosscourt spike.

“Of course, we have our goals. Ito ‘yung parang plan B namin na to be at 4-3 kasi ang goal talaga sana namin ay 5-2. This is a good ending for us coming to the second round,” said Nitura, who contributed 14 points on 12 attacks, a block, and an ace.

Mordi led the Lady Falcons with 18 points and seven digs, while Eloi Dote also shone with eight points built on four spikes, two blocks, and two service aces.

Sagaysay delivered 20 excellent sets in the straight-sets domination, adding five points of her own.

UP suffered its third straight loss, dropping to 3-4 and settling in solo sixth place.

With the Fighting Maroons adjusting their rotation after outside hitter Casiey Dongallo was ruled out for the season due to a torn ACL and meniscus tears, coach Fabio Menta faced a challenging task.

Ali was UP’s top scorer with eight points from five blocks and three attacks, followed by Monares with seven points.

Bansil also contributed seven points, while Niña Ytang was limited to five points on a low 4-of-19 spiking clip. Irah Jaboneta, back in the libero role, recorded 14 receptions and nine digs.