MANILA, Philippines – Adamson University continues to defy the odds in the UAAP Season 82 girls' volleyball tournament.

They Baby Falcons toppled University of Santo Tomas (UST), 25-17, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-11, to gain its first-ever championship appearance on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.

Kate Santiago battled cramps midway through the game but recovered to post 26 points on 19 attacks, 4 aces, and 3 blocks to lead Adamson.

The Baby Falcons have now won three straight do-or-die games in the stepladders semifinals, and hope to sustain that momentum against National University (NU)-Nazareth School in the finals scheduled to begin at 12 noon on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Bullpups gained the outright finals berth after sweeping the 12-match elimination round.

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The Baby Falcons also beat the Junior Tigresses, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-20, last Sunday.

"Yung mga players ko ang magde-decide if they want to win. Ayun nag-respond sila, talagang gusto nila, hindi nila ginive up, nilaban nila ang team hanggang sa dulo," said Adamson coach Lerma Giron.

May Ann Nuique, Raisa Ricablanca and Trisha Tubu each had 10 points for Adamson.

Adamson started the deciding set with a 10-1 lead, but UST answered with a 7-1 run to close the deficit to three, 8-11.

But the Baby Falcons pulled away late and booked the remaining finals berth.

Substitute Samantha Maranan collected 18 points on 14 kills and four aces for the Junior Tigresses. Regina Jurado added 17 markers and 14 digs, while Renee Peñafiel chalked up 14 points.

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