De La Salle University claimed a back-to-back championship with a 13-10, 13-10 victory over Far Eastern University in the grand finals of the UAAP Season 87 VALORANT Tournament, Sunday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.
This was the Green Aces’ closest series in the tournament, with numerous lead changes and tactical pauses throughout.
Coach Aron Orlanda praised his team’s composure and growth in overcoming the tough challenge posed by the Tamaraws Esports.
“It’s good na na-read ng team yung gagawin ng kalaban and nakakapag-adjust kami — yun yung pinaka proud ako. Kahit after magtime-out if ever may adjustments yung kalaban, nakakapag-adjust pa rin kami kahit wala nang timeout. Yun talaga yung pinaka-biggest factor para sakin,” Orlanda reflected on the match.
The former ZOL Esports coach also credited FEU for their strong showing, especially given their significant leads during the championship series.
“Sobrang hindi ko inexpect (na magiging ganun ka-close yung laban). Props sa coach nila. Isang lang meaning nun kasi wala silang win last year sa pagkakaalam ko. Ngayon umabot sila ng grand finals. Para sa’kin, ibig sabihin sobrang daming ginagawa or sobrang solid ng coach nila kaya props talaga kay Coach Lawrence,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle’s championship pedigree quickly emerged in the opener, where they took the first three rounds. However, Andro Lapinid’s 10 kills and six assists in eight rounds allowed FEU to surge ahead 5-3.
Skipper Xavier Juan led La Salle’s comeback, delivering a clutch performance in Round 17 to give La Salle a narrow 9-8 lead. They would go on to win four of the next six rounds, with Juan earning the Game 1 MVP award for his 19 kills and seven assists.
In Game 2, Jadine Ladines’ clutch shooting helped FEU take an early 4-1 lead, but La Salle slowly chipped away at the deficit, with Juan leading the charge to a 9-7 lead.
At a 10-10 standstill, Juan showcased his mechanical skill, emerging victorious in a 1-on-1 showdown during Round 21, which sparked La Salle’s championship-clinching 3-0 run.
Juan earned the MVP award for his impressive finals performance, especially in clutch moments when FEU threatened to dethrone La Salle.
“We almost lost talaga against FEU so I needed to step up. And then we pulled through. Our team did great and I think everyone is an MVP also,” Juan said.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Earlier in the day, the Green Aces displayed their championship poise in the semifinals, overcoming a 4-0 deficit in Game 1 by limiting the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to just four rounds the rest of the way, securing a dominant 13-7, 13-1 win.
Meanwhile, the Tamaraws Esports, who made a huge turnaround after going winless last season, reached the gold medal round after defeating the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 13-4, 13-10, in the semifinals.
University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila both took home the bronze medals.
On Tuesday, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and NBA 2K25 tournaments will begin.
All matches will still air live on Pilipinas Live and the UAAP Varsity Channel.
