Green Spikers smash through AU to kickoff V-League 2022 collegiate cup
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers smashed through the Arellano (AU) Chiefs, 25–19, 27–25, 22–25, and 30–28, in their first game at the V-League 2022 Collegiate Challenge Cup yesterday, October 16, at the Paco Arena.
An all-out battle between the Green Spikers and the Chiefs commenced as DLSU got the first point. John Ronquillo showered the opposing team with consecutive middle attacks together with Billie Anima’s blocks and a 1–2 play by Diogenes Poquita III to bring the game at 7–6. Explosive rookie Noel Kampton made some noise as his attacks pierced through the wall established by Jethro Cabillan. As the grit to produce powerful serves increased, both squads committed continuous service errors that resulted with the two teams garnering nine errors each. Still, the action continued as Poquita fully utilized the cannon of La Salle’s offensive players, directing the ball to Ronquillo, Nathaniel Del Pilar, and Kampton to secure the first set, 25–19.
The Green Spikers started strong with Kampton firing two consecutive sharp slams partnered with Del Pilar’s merciless blocks against the Chiefs, 5–1. Ronquillo and Carl Berdal continued to be at each other’s necks as the former commenced a sharp attack on AU’s open zone while the latter continuously stabbed at DLSU’s weak point, tying the set at 13. Poquita and Adrian Villados conducted their best plays to get back against each other as soon as the other scored a point, but a play set up for La Salle Captain Vince Maglinao forced a deuce with the Chiefs, 24–24. Kampton made sure to tie loose ends with back-to-back attacks that handed DLSU the set, 27–25.
With the game on the line, Berdal carried the chiefs throughout the third as he continued slaming the ball down to Zone Five, where La Salle needed to improve their defense. The Green Spikers tried to finish the match, but Arman Guinto, Berdal, and Cabillan served as major roadblocks, showering the Taft-based squad with powerful spikes and firm blocks. Kampton once again took vigorous charge, giving DLSU the lead, 22–18. However, repeated net touch violations, and Arman Guinto’s service ace costed La Salle the opportunity to end the game in straight sets as Arellano earned back a set, 22–25.
The Chiefs, riding on the momentum from the previous set got the first point as Berdal delivered successive points before Ronquillo saved the 0–4 score with a nimble dip, 1–4. Arellano was leading by the second TTO, 11–16, via Guinto and Berdal reeling in points. Momentum began to switch when Poquita demonstrated fast reflexes, saving the ball from dropping with his foot. Star rookie Kampton shifted the tide in favor of the Green-and-White courtesy of five attacks in a row to take over the lead, 21–20. Ronquillo drew out his spear as he pierced through the Chiefs, bringing another deuce in the fourth set at 24-all. Everyone inside the Paco Arena was on the edge of their seats as a fiery battle between the two teams heated up. A block and a staredown from Del Pilar ended the tense set and the match, 30–28.
In Noel Kampton’s indoor volleyball debut game with the Green Spikers, the Beach Volley ROY amassed a total of 27 points for the team, showing a promising future and career for this match’s MVP.
Catch the DLSU Green Spikers (1–0) as they aim to get their second W against the Adamson Soaring Falcons (1–0) on Sunday, October 23, 5 PM at the same venue.
The game will be streamed LIVE on the league’s official website, vleague.ph, and Facebook page, The V-League.
