Green Spikers suffer first setback against Cabuyao Cabstars
The EcoOil-De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (4–1) suffered their first setback of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference against the Cabstars — City of Cabuyao (4–1), 23–25, 25–19, 21–25, 22–25 earlier today at the Paco Arena.
The initial set commenced with a point scored by the Cabstars, swiftly followed by a decisive spike from the middle by Nathaniel Del Pilar. Noel Kampton then delivered a service ace, leveling the game at 2-all. Despite the Cabstars launching robust attacks, the Green Spikers led by captain JM Ronquillo’s powerful opposite attacks, held their ground. Joshua Rodriguez then added two points from the middle, 8–5. Cabuyao, however, swiftly gained points, equalizing the game before Ronquillo countered with a robust back-row attack. After trailing 9–12 due to Cabuyao’s formidable assaults, a Diogenes Poquita and Del Pilar block rallied La Salle’s offense. Kampton’s forceful open attack, coupled with Ronquillo’s single block, reduced the deficit to one at 12–13. Despite Menard Guerrero’s efforts in floor defense, the Green Spikers struggled against the Cabstars’ powerful hits, falling behind at 17–21. Although Romilo’s strong hit secured a set point for his team, Kampton, and Jules De Jesus responded with powerful hits, cutting the lead to one. Unfortunately, Kampton’s service error handed the Cabstars the first set victory at 23–25.
A powerful strike from the center by Del Pilar kicked off the second set, setting the tone for Yoyong Mendoza to deliver an impactful open spike, securing a two-point lead, 3–1. Kampton’s robust attack further extended the lead to 8–6. Mendoza equalized the score at 10-all with a formidable hit from the middle. From there, La Salle continued to build momentum as Eric Layug’s formidable block widened the separation to four. Ronquillo displayed strategic finesse with a well-executed soft hit, maintaining the lead. A forceful back-row attack added more points, soon propelled La Salle to set-point advantage. Despite the Cabstars saving one set point at 24–19, a service error granted the Taft-based team the second set, 25–19.
Del Pilar initiated the action for La Salle in the third set, before a Mendoza powerful attack from the open side, leveled the score at 3-all. Mendoza’s net defense proves effective as he blocks a key shot, bringing the score to 9–10. Despite the opponents earning points, Kampton responds with a forceful hit, narrowing the gap, 15–1. La Salle, bolstered by a solid floor defense, sees Magsino execute a potent attack, maintaining a four-point lead, 16–20. Ronquillo follows suit with a powerful strike from the opposite attack side, and Kampton’s determined effort forces the Cabstars’ block to crumble, 20–23. However, an attack error on the Green side granted the Cabstars set point, 20–24. Kampton rallies with a strong open attack, saving a match point but the following costly overreaching error from La Salle soon sealed another set victory for the Cabstars, 21–25.
At the start of the fourth set, the Green and White was more aggressive on offense as a Mendoza hit secured a 3–2 lead. But soon Cabuyao gets into a rhythm, scoring and taking the advantage before a determined Kampton landed a powerful open attack, narrowing the lead to 7–8. The Cabstars likewise remained consistent on their attacks, building a four-point separation. Then Mendoza’s formidable attack halted the opposition’s momentum, 12–18. Despite Ronquillo’s resilient four-point streak from the opposite side, the opponents retained a slight lead, 19–21. Following this, momentum remained on the Cabstars side until an outside Mendoza attack secured the set and match victory for the former, 22–25.
With the Quarterfinals approaching, the Green Spikers look to regain momentum.
Set Scores: 23–25, 25–19, 21–25, 22–25
