Green Spikers outlast arch-rivals Ateneo
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (3–1) outlasted arch-rivals the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles (2–2) in extended match, 23–25, 25–17, 25–18, 21–25, 15–11, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Player of the Game (POG) was awarded to Team Captain JM Ronquillo after garnering a total of 20 points, from 16 spikes, three blocks, and one service ace.
The first set commenced with a commanding attack courtesy of Nath Del Pilar, but was quickly deuced after an Eco Adajar illegal attack, 1-all. Del Pilar’s smart attacks near the net gave La Salle momentum to follow. An Adajar managed to get on the scoreboard with a block, but Ateneo likewise responded, 5-all. The Taft-based squad challenged a possible block touch against Ateneo, but was deemed unsuccessful. For a while, the boys in green were at a three-point deficit after several attack errors, 9–12, but the Green Spikers quickly caught up courtesy of Vince Maglinao spikes, 12-all. Another round of unforced errors found La Salle trailing the Blue Eagles before a timeout. Following this, errors from Ateneo and Maglinao's dominant attacks allowed the Green and White to cut the lead to just one, 20–21. Ronquillo tried to extend the set with an attack, but Jian Salarzon made sure to finish the set in favor of the Eagles, 23–25.
The second set started with the Green Spikers trailing after back-to-back points from the Blue Eagles, 0–2. Billie Anima, Noel Kampton, and Ronquillo quickly scored to keep the score even via powerful spikes, the tied score continued until Salarzon gave Ateneo the lead, 9–11. Maglinao’s back-to-back points and Kampton’s powerful block put La Salle back in the lead, 14–12. From there, the Taft-based squad’s lead eventually widened with several attack and block points, courtesy of Kampton, 19–13. Net touch was called on the Blue Eagles as they entered a timeout with a seven-point advantage. 20–13. Ronquillo’s combination play put La Salle at set point with La Salle eventually ending the set, 25–17.
Set three commenced with an attack point by Ateneo, but this was quickly answered back by Kampton’s attack before a Maglinao block placed La Salle in the lead, 4–3. After an exchange of attack points, Kampton’s block coupled with a spike gave the Taft-based squad a one-point advantage. Salarzon’s attacks were deemed too strong for the Green Spikers as they were once again at a one-point deficit, 12–13. With Rui Ventura subbed in the court, his block points placed the score at 17–15. Despite Lance De Castro’s efforts to dive toward the ball, Maglinao’s dominant attack and Del Pilar’s block allowed the Taft-based squad to extend their lead. Net touch was called on the Blue Eagles, 23–18, before an Ateneo error placed the Green Spikers at set point. Maglinao eventually ended the set with a commanding block, 25–18.
The fourth set commenced with a powerful spike commandeered by Kampton and an off-the-block kill by Team Captain Ronquillo. Despite the Green Spikers’ efforts, unforced errors got to the best of them, allowing Ateneo to catch-up, 4-all. A one-two play by Adajar granted La Salle a two-point lead. For a while, the Green and White kept their advantage, 14–11. However, the set eventually tied as Ateneo found their momentum, 15-all. With the Blue Eagles’ errors and spikes from Adajar and Maglinao, the Taft-based squad entered the second timeout with a four-point advantage, 19–15, but the boys in blue once again caught-up and cut the lead to just one. An attack error by Maglinao put Ateneo back in the lead, 21–19. Amil Pacinio’s service ace gave La Salle a trailing score of 20–23 as they entered another timeout. Crucial back-to-back net touches called on the Green and White awarded the set to Ateneo, 21–25, extending the match to a fifth.
The deciding set started with Childebere Okeke’s attack but was swiftly countered by Ronquillo, 1-all. Anima and Ronquillo’s dominance showcased as they gave the Taft-based squad a two-point lead, 5–3. A Maglinao spike coupled with an Ateneo error placed La Salle ahead, 7–4, then an Okeke attack error prompted a switch of court. After the timeout, Ateneo scored three-straight points to cut down La Salle’s lead to one, 8–7. DLSU called for a net touch against Okeke and was deemed successful, 10–8. From there, La Salle maintained their lead with a Kampton block and a Ronquillo spike at the helm, 12–9. Soon, Captain JM’s block gave La Salle match point with Anima eventually closing out the match, 15–11, in favor of the Green and White.
Witness the Green Spikers as they aim to continue their winning streak against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, March 6, 10:00 AM, at the same venue.
Set Scores: 23–25, 25–17, 25–18, 21–25, 15–11
Box Scores:
DLSU 3— Maglinao 21, Ronquillo 20, Kampton 18, Del Pilar 10, Anima 6, Adajar 2, Ventura 2, Gloria 0, Poquita 0, De Castro (L) 0, Guerrero (L) 0
Ateneo 2— Okeke 19, Salarzon 15, Batas 12, Licauco 5, Pacinio 5, De Guzman 3, Mangulabnan 1, Gopio 0 , Licauco 0, De Castro (L) 0
