The Nes Pamilar-era in De La Salle University volleyball might have been short-lived, but the La Salle Green Spikers are ready to move on.
In their first game under Norman Miguel, the Green Spikers were able to eke out a tight four-set win against brother team College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 25-27, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22, Saturday morning at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
“First game namin okay naman. Nag-adjust kaming lahat kasi nga bago yung coach at bago yung sistema,” said La Salle’s top scorer for the game Cris Dumago, who tallied 18 markers on 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. “Kinapitan talaga namin yung Benilde para manalo.”
The first three sets were close, with La Salle grinding out the second and third sets. But come the fourth set, the combination plays of the Green Spikers riddled the defending NCAA champions with Dumago benefiting the most.
“Bata si coach. Pero kahit mas bata siya, lahat kami natutukan, from the setters to the spikers,” added Dumago about the difference between their former mentor and their current head coach. “Ngayong game, yung huddle namin sa court yung pinaigtin namin.”
Arjay Onia and fifth year spiker Raymark Woo added 16 points each, while Marco Wayne, the heir apparent to Geuel Asia, tossed 38 excellent sets.
Isaah Arda paced the Blazers with 21 markers. Mark Orian finished with 15 markers, while former University of the East Red Warrior Vince Abrot chipped in 13 markers.
La Salle will next face the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers on Monday, September 4, at 10:00am. Saint Benilde, on the other hand, look to bounce back on the same day against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
The Scores:
DLSU (3) – Dumago 18, Woo 16, Onia 16, Delos Reyes 11, Jose 7, Marco 3, Bacon 2, Asia 0, Dimayuga 0, Movido (L).
CSB (1) – Arda 21, Orian 15, Abrot 13, San Miguel 12, Bacani 6, Magsino 5, Bautista 2, San Miguel 0, Saldavia 0, Dy (L), Garcia (L).
