Green Spikers split opening day matches
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (1–1) split their opening day matches in the UAAP Season 86 Beach Volleyball tournament after taking down the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors (0-1) and then surrendering to the National University (NU) Bulldogs (2–0) earlier today at Sands, SM by the Bay.
Game 1: DLSU 2–0 UE
The Green Spikers looked to make a statement to begin the tournament in their opening game against the UE Red Warriors as they showed their on-court skills to the sands. Able to execute combination plays and service aces, the duo of Andre Espejo and Vince Maglinao jumped in make an early 9-3 lead in the first set, forcing UE to call timeout. After talking things through, the Red Warriors were able to make a run giving the Green Spikers a small scare, 10-7. From that point on it was straight dominance as Espejo fortified his net defense to score block points while Maglinao delivered powerful kills that secured the first set, 21-13.
The Green Spikers carried over their momentum onto the second set scoring multiple service aces that helped them gain an 3-1 advantage. Following this, the Red Warriors were able to rally back and equalize the game as multiple errors on La Salle's side saw the latter falling behind, 6-9. Heroic plays by Espejo then allowed the Taft-based duo to take back control of the game right before the technical timeout, 11-10. Team Captain Maglinao came out of the break guns blazing as he scored multiple kills to give the Green Spikers a sizeable advantage, all before multiple errors by the Red Warriors sealed the match, 21-16.
Set Scores: 21-13, 21-16
Game 2: DLSU 0–2 NU
The Green Spikers got off to a slow start in their second game falling behind due to the Bulldogs' relentless attacks, 0-3. Espejo and Maglinao were able to bring the game within two points courtesy of attacks of their own, but errors plaguing both sides then ballooned NU’s lead to five, 11-16. Despite the Taft-based duo attempting to bring the set back, they were unable to get the ball through the Bulldogs' defenses, ultimately surrendering the first set, 13-21.
The Green Spikers aimed to redeem themselves early in the second set with an ace and a kill, but the Bulldogs countered with attacks of their own to pull ahead, 3-4. Much like the first set Espejo and Maglinao were riddled with unforced errors that caused them to fall behind even further all the while NU’s net defense stood tall, denying every opportunity for the Green and White to score. A service ace by James Buytrago soon ended the match, giving the Green Spikers their first loss of the tournament, 12-21.
Set Scores: 13-21, 12-21
Catch the Green Spikers as they aim to bounce back against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons tomorrow, November 18, 4:15 PM, at the same venue.
