La Salle bounces back against UP

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)

12 p.m. - UP vs UST (Men)

2 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

4 p.m. - UP vs UST (Women)

De La Salle University bucked a lethargic start to down University of the Philippines in four sets, 23-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-15 and earn a bounce back win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Angelo Lagando and Louise Aballe pushed the Fighting Maroons to a 21-17 lead late in the third set, primed to take a 2-1 set lead.

But Noel Kampton showcased his heart by willing the Green Spikers back and even taking a 24-23 advantage although UP’s Olayemi Raheem battled back with a crosscourt attack.

But Lagando’s attack went out in the next play before Rui Ventura closed the door on Raheem for the 2-1 set cushion for La Salle.

JJ Rodriguez, Ventura, and Vince Maglinao then linked up as the Green Spikers turned a 3-4 affair into a 15-7 wide gap in the fourth to even their record at 2-2 for solo fifth after one hour and 51 minutes.

De La Salle, which had an impressive off-season build-up, split its first four matches.

“Coming from a loss, pinaprocess pa namin kung anong pwede naming i-counter. Naka-catch up naman ‘yung team so hopefully start na ito ulit,” said head coach Jose Roque.

After being held to just six points in their loss to University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday, Kampton came out blazing with 21 points on 17 attacks and four aces along with 15 excellent receptions and seven digs.

“Lahat naman kami working hard every training. Marami pa kaming dadaanan na pagsubok pero I think matatag naman ‘yung chemistry namin so hopefully we can overcome these obstacles,” said Ventura, who came off the bench to produce 14 points on nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces.

De La Salle aims to build momentum from this win as it shoots for another victory on Saturday when it takes on University of the East also at the same Pasay venue.

The Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, absorbed their third straight defeat after an opening weekend victory, falling to 1-3 for joint-sixth with the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Nigerian hitter Raheem once again paced UP with 19 points while Lagando backed him up with 11 points and five digs.

UP looks to shake off its skid on Wednesday against University of Santo Tomas at the same Pasay arena.