De La Salle University put on a dominant showing and swept University of Sto. Tomas, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23, to extend the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals series to a Game 3, Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The second-ranked Green Spikers – coming off a four-set loss in Game 1 last Wednesday (25-22, 23-25, 15-25, 16-25) – caught the third-seeded Golden Spikers by surprise and delivered a commanding performance to force a winner-take-all match on Wednesday.
“Satisfied in a way kasi lahat nung pagkakamali namin na cinover up namin during training, eto lumabas ‘yung result. Happy for the team kasi nag-bounce back sila from Game 1,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque.
Held to just five points in Game 1, Joshua Magalaman bounced back in Game 2, finishing with a game-high 13 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and two aces to help the Green Spikers equalize the series.
Chris Hernandez tallied 11 points, along with 11 excellent receptions, while Glen Ventura chipped in nine markers – eight of which came from attacks.
La Salle continued to miss the services of ace spiker Noel Kampton.
The duo of Yoyong Mendoza and Eric Layug each added six points in the one-hour, 26-minute win.
Jerico Adajar recorded 14 excellent sets, four points, and 10 excellent digs. Meanwhile, team captain Menard Guerrero registered 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions for the Green Spikers.
La Salle faced a formidable challenge in the third set when UST managed to force a deadlock at 23-all. However, Hernandez blocked Al-Bukharie Sali before Ventura scored off the block to extend the series.
Meanwhile, Sali was the lone bright spot for the Golden Spikers – who were without reigning UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez – contributing 10 points on seven attacks and three blocks.
Jan Julian Macam had six points, while Gboy De Vega and Trevor Valera each contributed five markers in the loss.
La Salle and UST will fight for a seat in the best-of-three finals on Wednesday.
