What began as a nightmare start for De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament has slowly turned into a story of resilience.
After opening the season 0-4, the Green Spikers are now back in contention for a Final Four spot, fueled by a critical four-set victory over the University of the Philippines this Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With the win, La Salle improved to a 5-5 record, pulling level with archrival Ateneo de Manila University for the final postseason berth.
But the road ahead remains challenging, with crucial clashes against the FEU Tamaraws, Ateneo Blue Eagles, UE Red Warriors, and defending champions NU Bulldogs poised to determine whether the Green Spikers’ comeback bid will succeed.
Coach Jose Roque, however, is undaunted by the task. He wants his players to embrace the challenge and believe in their ability to earn every win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“After the break, for me alone, importante yung last four games eh,” said Roque. “Not because we’re looking for the rank—yung rank namin na makapasok sa top four—but for the team na magkaroon ng kumpyansa talaga to beat everyone.”
“Hindi naman nagmamayabang; ‘yun yung pinapaintindi ko eh—wala namang unbeatable. Lahat naman ‘yan kaya. Depends on how we prepare, depends on yung mindset namin over the game. Lahat naman possible.”
La Salle’s revival has been built on pivotal moments, none bigger than their five-set thriller over the NU Bulldogs last March 15. That win not only capped their first round on a high note but also reasserted the squad as a legitimate Final Four contender.
While it’s tempting to focus on the standings as the Season 88 climax approaches, Roque emphasizes an internal-first approach. For him, preparation and mindset are what will ultimately carry the team to success.
“Di natin masabi. Basta kami, sabi ko lang sa team ko, sa training mag-start ‘yan—yung preparation namin. Kung maganda yung training, I’m sure ganun din yung resulta ng ano, kasi ‘yun yung preparation nga ‘yun para sa game eh,” he explained.
“At the same time, ayoko silang ma-stress sa kung anuman yung ano. Basta, whoever na darating sa game day—kung sinuman ‘yan—lalaro lang kami at magpe-prepare.”
#WATCH: NO PRESSURE 🏹
Jose Roque reminded Yoyong Mendoza, Issa Ousseini, and the rest of the Green Spikers not to worry about the standings and instead focus on themselves 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/PWvMzS6IW0
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/OoKathFQ2U
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 29, 2026
