Adamson’s Frances Mordi during a game against Ateneo within the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Adamson’s successful UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball debut wasn’t nearly rookie Shaina Nitura’s record-setting 33-point explosion.
The rebuilding Lady Falcons found a solid 1-2 punch in Nitura and foreign student-athlete Frances Mordi to get better from a two-set deficit and overwhelm the Ateneo Blue Eagles in thrilling five sets, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Article continues after this commercial
Mordi, who also made a powerful UAAP debut with 23 points built on 16 kills, five blocks, and two aces, was relieved to pass their first test within the UAAP against the Blue Eagles.
READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura shrugs off pressure, dazzles in debut
“I would love to say thanks to the Lord since it’s tough. We played a really strong team however it was a really slow start for us. We consider in ourselves and show patience as well,” she said.
The Lady Falcon from Nigeria attributed her confidence to teach JP Yude, who told her to consider in herself.
Article continues after this commercial
“My coach at all times tells me to consider in myself. So I also told myself to consider in my teammates and it’s not over yet (within the third set). So, I believed we could do something. We just should push and trust ourselves and help one another also,” she said.
Although Mordi continues to be scratching the surface of her full potential, Yude was blissful to see his recent player overcome challenges in the primary game, seeing her labor in practice repay with a solid debut.
READ: UAAP: Rookie Shaina Nitura leads Adamson rally past Ateneo
“I saw her potential even when sometimes she’s struggling. I at all times push her to be brave in every challenge. [And I believe] the perfect is yet to return for her,” said Yude in Filipino.
“I’m very pleased with Frances. Because in training and tune-up games, there are such a lot of struggles which can be happening, not just for Frances but all my players. All their hardships and sacrifices led to this win, especially [with what they showed] within the fifth set,” he added.
Mordi, Nitura, and the Lady Falcons might be tested by a bounce-back-seeking La Salle Lady Spikers on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
