Green Spikers fall to NU, drops to third in standings
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers fell to the National University (NU) Bulldogs in four sets, 20–25, 16–25, 25–23, and 21–25, in a grueling match earlier today at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. With this result, the Green Spikers dropped to third in the standings with a 5–2 win-loss record while NU secured the top spot with 6–1.
JM Ronquillo was the leading scorer for the Green Spikers with 22 points while Jade Disquitado and Leo Aringo Jr. served as the offensive powerhouse of the NU Bulldogs that gave them the W.
The game started off with a back and forth offensive prowess between both teams but the Bulldogs manage to capitalize starting the game with the score of 2–7 thanks to Aringo’s quick and cross spikes. This strong start by the Bulldogs brought the Green Spiker’s A-game as attacks from Ronquillo and Noel Kampton cut the lead down to 8–10. From here on point, the intensity of the game and the crowd’s atmosphere continued to intensify. Ronquillo’s blocking prowess continued to put the pressure on the Bulldogs, maintaining the lead to just two points, until a crosscourt spike from the captain shifted the lead to La Salle, 16–15. Following this, Vince Maglinao also came for resurgence as he hit back-to-back attacks, making it 18–17. Despite the Green Spikers offensive effort, it was the NU Bulldogs that prevailed in the first set of the game, 20–25.
In the second set, the Green Spikers scored the first point of the set through a net touch, but Aringo responded yet again for the Bulldogs with two back to back hits. Maglinao answered right back with another superb double cross spike making it 4–6. However, the Bulldogs continued to maintain their lead as they controlled the pace of the game through Jade Disquitado’s attacking prowess for a while. This continued further as Disquitado increased NU’s lead to five through his consecutive attacks, 15–20. In the final minutes of the second set, the Green Spikers attempted to kickstart their offense, but the Bulldogs’ tight defense kept their efforts to a minimum. The Bulldogs soon closed out the set, 16–25.
Coming in the third set, the Green Spikers aimed to make a comeback by starting off strong through a Kampton opening attack and service ace, 2–0. Ronquillo and Maglinao landing multiple attacks also aided in the Green Spikers’ dominant third set start, pushing the lead to 9–4. At that point, it was visible that after two grueling sets, the Green Spikers finally found their offensive rhythm. This continued througout the set as Kampton, Ronquillo and Maglinao continued to distribute points for the Green Spikers giving them a three-point lead, 18–15. Momentum for the Green Spikers continued as Maglinao brought his A-game on offense throughout the latter part together with Anima’s solid defense. The Bulldogs however, managed to rally back, cutting the separation to just one. Ultimately, La Salle made sure to take the set, 25–23, after a Bulldog unforced error, extending the match.
Entering the fourth set, the Bulldogs regained their offensive prowess from the first two sets as Disquitado, Obed Mukaba and Aringo contributed multiple attacks, 5–8. However, the Green Spikers’ momentum and resilience was still evident coming off their strong third set showing with Ronquillo making great offensive plays to keep NU’s lead to two. Despite the Green Spikers’ attempt for a strong comeback, the Bulldogs held on their tight defense and offensive power as Disquitado and Mukaba’s combination placed the score at 23–18. In the final minutes of the game, it was Mukaba who made the quick spike giving the Bulldogs match point and Maglinao’s service error gave the NU the win, 21–25.
The Green Spikers will aim to get back on W column in Round 2 of the tournament.
Set scores: 20–25, 16–25, 25–23, 21–25
Box scores:
DLSU 1— Ronquillo 22, Maglinao 13, Kampton 9, Anima 5, Del Pilar 2, Mendoza 0, Adajad 0, Layug 0, Poquita 0, Gloria 0, De Jesus 0, Ventura 0, Guerrero 0 (L), De Castro 0 (L)
NU 3— Aringo 20, Disquitado 19, Almendras 13, Mukaba 10, Taguimbolos 9, Retamar 5, Ancheta 0, Abanilla 0, Buddin 0, Belosrtino 0, Diao 0, Bandola 0, Sumagui (L) 0, Gapultos (L) 0
