These DLSU Green Spikers have made coming from behind a habit and the hospital UE Red Warriors were the perfect victim
De La Salle University made a thrilling late first-set comeback. It sustained the momentum, sweeping the undermanned University of the East, 26-24, 25-13, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The Green Spikers, now 3-2 and sitting solo fourth in the standings, showed resilience and composure after clawing back from a 20-24 deficit in the opening frame. Senior spiker Noel Kampton and MJ Fortuna sparked the rally with two points apiece, forcing a deuce before an attack error by UE handed La Salle a 25-24 lead. Kampton then sealed the set with a clutch kill block, capping a dramatic 26-24 win that set the tone for the match.
“I just reminded the team that whatever the result may be, fight for it,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque. “Even if UE’s setter was no longer there, it doesn’t mean they would just give up the game, so I told them to keep on going.”
The Red Warriors’ already reeling from losing steam in the first set, took a major blow when they lost Dave Poquita, to an apparent left foot injury at 5-2. Poquita did not return, forcing wing spiker Steven Aligayon to take over setting duties for the remainder of the match. La Salle capitalized on this massive UE disruption, cruising to a dominant 25-13 win in the second frame.
The winless Red Warriors fought valiantly in the third set, but the depth and poise of the Taft spikers proved too much. JJ Rodriguez’s anticipation on a floating ball gave the Green Spikers match point, and Chris Hernandez delivered the final blow with a through-the-block hit to close out the match in one hour and 36 minutes.
Fortuna Shines in Breakout Performance
Transferee MJ Fortuna, who has struggled to find his rhythm in previous games, emerged as the standout performer for La Salle, finishing with a game-high 13 points on 10-of-20 spikes, three blocks, and five digs.
“I’m just thankful because in the previous games, I wasn’t playing at my best,” Fortuna said. “I’m grateful to the coaches for still giving me the chance to show my potential.”
Vince Maglinao, playing at 90 percent fitness after recovering from a grade 2 right ankle sprain, also made his presence felt with his first double-digit performance of the season, tallying 11 points and eight digs. Kampton, meanwhile, contributed eight points in limited action across two sets.
The crippled UE will look to end its first-round campaign on a positive note when it faces Ateneo de Manila University with the potential of losing both their first and second string setter next Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Up Next for La Salle
The Green Spikers, meanwhile, will face a stern test when they take on archrivals Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the same Pasay venue. With momentum on their side and key players stepping up, La Salle will aim to solidify its position in the standings and keep its Final Four hopes alive.
ANIMO LA SALLE!
