Green Spikers sweep UP, end S86 on a high note
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (3–4) swept the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons (2–5) in straight sets for their final game in the UAAP S86 Beach Volleyball Tournament, 22–20, 21–18, earlier today at the Sands SM by the Bay.
This result marked La Salle’s last game in the beach volleyball tournament. Unfortunately, this season, the Green and White squad could not enter the semi-finals despite claiming the triumph.
Set one began with a back-to-back offensive onslaught from UP, promptly countered by Kapitan Maglinao to level the score at 2-all. Maglinao’s formidable attacks compelled a court change with DLSU leading 4–3. Despite UP’s resilience, the intensity of the battle resulted in another deuce at 5-all. The set then unfolded with both teams engaging in a relentless exchange of points. As the first technical timeout (TTO) neared, Maglinao’s powerful aces and attacks asserted dominance, putting DLSU ahead, 12–9. Maglinao’s unwavering determination denied UP any opportunity to close the gap, extending the lead to 15–13. Approaching La Salle’s score, UP forced a timeout, 15–16. In a bid to secure the set, Andre Espejo’s decisive attack brought DLSU to set point at 20–19, however, a crucial error by Maglinao leveled the score again. Nevertheless, a decisive block by Espejo sealed the set for the Taft-based duo, granting them a one-set advantage with a final score of 22–20.
The second set began with UP once again taking the lead, but a service error by the Fighting Maroons equalized the score at 1-all. As the first court switch occurred, La Salle found themselves trailing by one at 3–4. From there, both teams engaged in a back-and-forth exchange of points. Approaching the second court switch, Espejo’s costly error widened the gap, putting DLSU down by two, 6–8. Despite UP being ahead by three at the first technical timeout (TTO), the Green and White, fueled by Espejo’s attacks and Maglinao’s aces, continued to put up a strong fight, tying the score at 14-all. Espejo’s determination shone through as he propelled La Salle back into the lead at 17–15. After a court exchange, Von Marata was subbed in at 19–16. A crucial attack error by UP put DLSU at set point, and Marata soon concluded the set, securing a sweeping victory, 21–18.
In his statement, Maglinao expressed joy as he concluded his final season in the Beach Volleyball tournament against UP earlier.
“I just want to play. I want to have fun doing the sport I love. Naging maganda yung galaw namin.”
The magnitude of the victory cannot be understated. Maglinao expressed that there were specific factors that contributed to DLSU’s success in today’s game.
“One factor that led us to victory is yung hugot ko na this might be my last beach volleyball game. I want to finish this on a win. Sobrang happy lang.”
As a team, the captain mentioned their feelings as victors in their last game of the season, especially considering that UP proved to be a tough competitor.
“With my team, with Andre and Von, I want to thank them kasi sila ung susunod sakin diyan. Lagi silang nakikinig, lagi silang maintindihin, nagtatanong ano mga gustong itanong, and sobrang supportive especially my teammates from the indoor team,” Maglinao stated.
As the Green Spikers concluded their UAAP S86 Beach Volleyball campaign, their determination remained unwavering throughout the competition. Their teamwork and dedication in every game enabled them to fully savor the experience. Fans can look forward to more exciting games in the near future.
