Jose Roque’s trust and confidence in his main gunner, Noel Kampton, were pivotal in De La Salle University’s heart-stopping five-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday.
Kampton, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, was on the verge of giving up when the Blue Eagles took the lead in the fourth set.
Roque made the decision to bench the outside hitter, who had been struggling during that stretch, but offered him a few reassuring words: “Pahinga ka lang diyan, may fifth set pa.”
Indeed, there was a fifth set. Vince Maglinao stepped up, taking charge of the scoring for the Green Spikers, who won the fourth set, 25-22, and forced a decisive final frame.
“Sa totoo, medyo napanghihinaan na ako ng loob kasi sabi ko baka ito na to na matatalo kami, pero nakita ko naman na gumana sila lahat. Sabi ko ‘Okay, may fifth set ito,’” Kampton recalled.
“Nung fifth set, sinabihan ko si coach, ‘Coach, huwag mo na ako ipasok kasi ang ganda na ng nilalaro nila.’ Pero sabi sa akin ni coach, ‘Hindi, may tiwala ako sa’yo.’”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With Roque’s unwavering trust, Kampton responded with a brilliant performance, leading La Salle to a thrilling 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 27-25 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kampton led all scorers with 27 points — 23 on attacks, three aces, and a block — along with 12 excellent receptions, marking the best birthday gift he could ask for.
The Green Spikers rose to a tie for third to fifth place alongside Ateneo and the UST Golden Spikers, who defeated the Adamson Soaring Falcons later that day.
“Alam mo yung kahit may times na off game ka, tapos ganun sinabi sayo ng coach mo, mas tumaas yung kumpyansa ko, and sabi niya sa akin, pa-birthday daw niya sa akin ngayon,” Kampton shared.
Roque, for his part, explained his decision to put Kampton back in despite his request to remain on the bench, citing the importance of maintaining the team’s positive momentum.
Another standout was senior Maglinao, who contributed 22 points and 20 excellent receptions.
“Actually, it’s not about the skills anymore during the fifth set. It’s about how they fight. The skills are already there, they’re equipped for that. What I was looking for from them was how they would fight for this game,” Roque said.
#WATCH: La Salle head coach Jose Roque applauds Noel Kamption, Yoyong Mendoza, and the Green Spikers for their incredible resilience in a thrilling fifth-set battle against Ateneo 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/9Mq0MpdgbO
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 2, 2025
