La Salle-EcoOil overpowered the struggling Martelli Meats in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20, 25-13, to open its 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign with a victory on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Green Oilers held off Martelli Meats’ attempts to break through in the first two sets, then cruised through the third to secure the win in just an hour and nine minutes.
“So far, okay naman dahil nadagdagan kami. Na-reinforce kami ni Noel [Kampton] saka ni Vince [Maglinao], though ngayon pa lang sila halos nagbe-blend doon sa sistema na dinesign ko with the V-League roster,” said La Salle-EcoOil head coach Jose Roque.
“Somehow nakakahabol na sila, kailangan pa siguro mag-sync in sa gusto naming mangyari as a team nung previously na ginawa namin sa V-League,” he added.
Noel Kampton – who missed most of the Green Oilers’ silver-medal campaign in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge – and Vince Maglinao, who was absent for the entire tournament, both returned to make an impact in La Salle-EcoOil’s debut win.
Kampton delivered 12 points, 11 from attacks, along with eight excellent receptions, while Maglinao and Josh Magalaman each contributed 11 points.
Setter Eco Adajar recorded 15 excellent sets and added two points, while team captain Menard Guerrero contributed nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
La Salle-EcoOil will face the winless Chichi DHTSI on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Meanwhile, Martelli Meats suffered its third consecutive loss in the tournament.
Razzel Palisoc was the only double-digit scorer for the Master Butchers with 10 points, all from attacks, while Andrei Bundoc added seven points.
Martelli Meats will look to end its losing streak against powerhouse Cignal – who are coming off a five-set loss to Savouge – on Wednesday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
