Battling jetlag, Noel Kampton made sure to leave his mark in De La Salle University’s crucial Game 2 against Far Eastern University in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Finals last Wednesday.
Kampton had missed a significant part of the Green Spikers’ campaign due to his commitments with Alas Pilipinas Men, including a two-week training camp in Italy, which sidelined him for most of the V-League playoffs.
Returning triumphantly on Wednesday night, the reigning Finals MVP provided a much-needed spark in the last two sets, helping La Salle secure a 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20 win over FEU.
The victory extended the series to a winner-take-all Game 3, scheduled for Friday at 5:00 PM.
“May jetlag pa ako ngayon kasi kakarating ko lang kahapon, 12:00 AM kami dumating [from Italy]. Nag-aadjust pa ‘yung body clock ko,” Kampton said, noting that he went straight to practice after arriving back in Manila early Tuesday.
“Pero ang ginawa ko, sa strength and conditioning ko kay coach Pao Escano, binigyan niya ako ng workout. Nag-workout kami and nagpahinga ako nang maayos. Pero ngayon, nahihilo pa rin ako, pagod pa rin.”
Determined to make up for lost time, the former V-League Best Outside Spiker delivered in key moments, despite his limited playing time.
Kampton finished with nine points in less than two sets, helping fend off the Tamaraws, who were poised to close out the series.
“Nung pagdating ko dito, nag-chat agad ako kay coach na kaya ko na mag-training kahit hilo-hilo pa ko. Nag-training ako kanina saka kahapon nag-training ako kahit hilo-hilo ako, pinapa-relax lang nila ako, ‘yung makakapa lang ako ng bola ulit,” Kampton shared.
With FEU aiming for payback in the decider, Kampton called on his teammates to maintain consistency as they chase their second consecutive V-League title.
“Maging consistent lang talaga. Kasi knowing FEU, grabe ang hirap talaga nila kalaban, kahit nung UAAP. Ngayon lang kami nanalo sa kanila.” he pointed out.
Iba kalaban ang FEU, so patapangan na lang talaga and may the best team win na lang talaga.”
