The DLSU Green Spikers finally broke their losing streak with a victory over the still struggling UE Red Warriors squad, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22 at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
With the victory, La Salle improves to a 2-7 record while the Red Warriors are still searching for their elusive first win, now down 0-7.
The first set was a fast thrashing for La Salle as they shocked UE with their quick hits to erect their lead early. Poor first ball did not aid the Red Warriors as La Salle took the first frame up by double digits.
UE countered by winning the second set via a tight close out late. Ed Camposano delivered in the late stages with the Warriors’ combination plays on full display.
In the third set, both teams were neck and neck until the late part as La Salle and UE exchanged blows. Tied at 19, the Green Spikers unleashed a 6-1 rally thanks to a steady frontcourt contribution from Cris Dumago. Mike Frey was also consistent in the serving department as he added a crucial service ace in the final moments of the set.
Errors haunted UE early in the fourth canto as DLSU rushed to a quick 4-0 start to dictate momentum. The frontcourt of La Salle was on point in terms of defense; the blocking working in favor of the Green Spikers. With the Warriors settling for drop shots, the Taft-based squad delivered with their floor defense and countered with powerful spikes led by John Onia and Dumago to bury UE.
Despite faulty receptions for La Salle late in the fourth, UE committed three crucial service errors that helped DLSU close out the game up by three points.
La Salle had more spikes in terms of attacks, 55-49, and they committed less errors, 21-30. UE had more blocks, 11-10, despite the loss.
Four Green Spikers tallied double digits led by Frey’s 16. Onia and Dumago scattered 15 and 13 respectively. Camposano once again top-scored the Warriors with his 22 markers.
La Salle will next face FEU on the opening game day of February, 10am at the FilOil Arena. On the other hand, UE’s next opponent will be Ateneo on Jan. 28, 10am at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
DLSU- Frey 16, Onia 15, Dumago 13, Calderon 12, Calasin 7, Santos 4, Asia 0, Christensen 0, Dimayuga 0, Dizon(L) 0, Movido(L) 0
UE- Camposano 22, Molina 14, Alba 8, Lelic 6, Adviento 5, Magdaong 4, Mandani 2, Gopio 0, Caluya 0, Almario(L) 0
