Green Spikers survive extended last set for a clean sweep against UE
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (4–1) emerged victorious against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors (0-5) in an extended third set, to complete a sweep, 25-14, 25-20, 31-29, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Vince Maglinao was hailed Player of the Game (POG) with 16 points off of 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Fresh off their victorious five-set performance last week, the Green Spikers dominated the opening set by unleashing a relentless firing spree with six consecutive points against the Warriors. Despite the resilient efforts of the latter, La Salle's sudden misfired bullets allowed UE to close in within three paces. However, the Green Spikers, led by Noel Kampton's exceptional blocks and attacks, surged ahead to establish a commanding lead, 20-10. Meanwhile, Joshua Pozas and JP Mangahis emerged as a formidable duo for UE, momentarily thwarting La Salle's immediate set victory. It was only through Kampton and JM Ronquillo's well-executed cross-courts, coupled with a final error from Pozas, that the Green Spikers finally secured the set, 25-14.
In the second set, Pozas was eager to make up for his final error in the prior set as he delivered the opening blow for UE. Despite this, La Salle held onto their momentum and a service ace by Maglinao propelled the Green Spikers to a five-point lead, only getting halted by John Aligayon, who narrowed the gap to 10-6. The battle intensified with a flurry of cross-court attacks from both teams, neither refusing to let the other gain an advantage, 13-11. The second set eventually became a spectacle of long rallies, as UE and La Salle fiercely defended their gates and grounds. Captain Ronquillo showcased his versatility, making crucial saves and blocks, and pushing the score to 22-19. The Taft-based squad finally snatched the set point off a decisive Ronquillo sequence, and a swift Billie Anima attack off the Jerico Adajar set concluded the set, 25-20.
Coming into the decisive third set, Nathan Del Pilar’s formidable block ignited La Salle’s momentum for an early lead, 1-0. Although the Green Spikers initially dominated, the relentless efforts of Pozas, Mangahis, and Brent Maralit narrowed the margin to just one, 16-15. In stark contrast, UE bolstered their net and floor defenses while La Salle struggled to maintain stability in the final set. Mangahis' efforts allowed UE to equalize and reclaim the lead, 20-21. However, a dynamic collaboration between Ronquillo and Maglinao swung the lead back to Taft, before Maralit’s impactful blow disrupted the Green Spikers once more, 24-all, pushing the set into extended play. Despite errors that challenged La Salle, Maglinao and Kampton’s resilience kept the team in the game, 28-all. In a thrilling conclusion, a final net touch and an attack error by UE, despite their attempt to challenge for a block touch, ultimately secured the hard-fought match in favor of the Greens, 31-29.
The DLSU Green Spikers (4–1) will aim to build their momentum against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, on Sunday, March 10, 12 PM, at the same venue.
Set scores: 25-14, 25-20, 31-29
Box scores:
DLSU 3—Maglinao 16, Ronquillo 13, Kampton 13, Anima 5, Adajar 4, Del Pilar 3, De Jesus 1, Ventura 1, Poquita 0, Guerrero (L) 0, De Castro (L) 0
UE 0—Pozas 14, Mangahis 7, Maralit 6, Aligayon 5, Maglay 5, Reyes 3, Bicar 1, Roca 0, Camaymayan 0, Herbosa (L) 0, Quezon (L) 0
