De La Salle University bounced back from a second-set collapse to defeat defending champion National University 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 25-17 in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The Green Spikers avenged their season-opening loss to the Bulldogs and tied Ateneo for third place with a 5-3 record. Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao led the charge, helping La Salle regain control after errors cost them the second set.
Head coach Jose Roque emphasized the importance of the win:
“Mahalaga talaga ito sa amin kasi kung yung goal namin is beyond the top four, kailangan talaga namin ito ipanalo… Kailangan maging consistent kami para ma-reach namin yung standard namin.”
Green Spikers Take Charge
La Salle dominated the fourth set early, jumping to a 13-8 lead and extending it to 17-8 after errors from NU’s Leo Aringo and Jade Disquitado. The Bulldogs attempted a comeback in the third set, closing the gap to 20-19, but La Salle responded with key plays from Maglinao and Kampton to seal the set.
In the extended second set, La Salle erased a 22-24 deficit to take a 25-24 lead, but three straight errors from JJ Rodriguez allowed NU to even the match. However, La Salle displayed resilience, overcoming an early 5-11 hole in the first set with a 14-2 run to take control.
Kampton, reflecting on the team’s motivation, said:
“Coming from a loss against FEU, ito talaga yung naging motivation namin… kung kaya naman pala namin magplay ng ganitong standard sa NU, why not try natin sa lahat para mas manalo kami.”
Key Performances
Kampton: 25 points (21 attacks, 2 blocks, 2 aces), 15 excellent receptions, 9 excellent digs
Maglinao: 20 points (17 attacks, 3 blocks), 17 excellent receptions, 6 excellent digs
Rui Ventura: 14 points, 10 excellent digs
Nat del Pilar: 7 points, 2 blocks
Eco Adajar: 29 excellent sets, 5 points
NU’s four-game winning streak ended, though they remain in second place with a 6-2 record. Disquitado led NU with 15 points, 16 receptions, and 7 digs, while Buds Buddin and Aringo added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
La Salle looks to extend their momentum against UST on March 29 at Araneta Coliseum.
