La Salle-EcoOil demolished Chichi DHTSI in straight sets, 25-18, 25-6, 25-20, clinching its second consecutive win in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Coming off an impressive debut against Martelli Meats, the Green Oilers – ignited by a dominant second-set performance – advanced to 2-0 in the standings while keeping the Titans winless after five games.
“Ano lang siguro, siguro based doon sa first set, from 25-19 sabi ko hindi naman ganun ‘yung laro nila. Bakit hindi nila ipakita, that made them think na dapat ayusin natin,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque after his team’s 19-point thrashing of Chichi DHTSI in the second set.
After taking the first set, Nathaniel Del Pilar and MJ Fortuna displayed consistency from the service line, propelling the Green Oilers to a blistering 17-3 start in the second frame – a lead the Titans couldn’t overcome.
Despite a late push from the Titans in the third, La Salle wrapped up the match in just an hour and six minutes.
“Happy, though I may say expected, pero since ganun din naman ‘yung ano, I made sure na naipaintindi ko sa players na whether kaya natin ‘yung team or hindi, we made sure na we give our best,” added Roque.
Joshua Magalaman led La Salle’s balanced attack with a game-high 10 points from seven attacks and three blocks.
Vince Maglinao added eight points – all from attacks – in just two sets in this season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision, with support from ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.
Noel Kampton, Eugene Gloria, and Nathaniel Del Pilar each contributed six points, while Eco Adajar distributed 10 excellent sets and scored a point.
La Salle will face D’Navigators Iloilo on Friday at 2:00 PM at the Ynares Sports Arena, aiming for its third straight victory to open the tournament.
Meanwhile, the struggling Titans fell to 0-5 in the standings. Team captain Jonathan Sorio and Christian Alicante contributed six points each in the defeat.
Chichi DHTSI will look to secure its first victory against the streaking Savouge on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
