De La Salle University opened its campaign with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Arellano University on Sunday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University bounced back from a Saturday loss by beating Colegio de San Juan de Letran 25-17, 25-23, 25-21 later that same day.
La Salle, the 2023 champions, showed its depth to close out the match in one hour and 23 minutes.
Rookie Issa Ousseini led the Green Spikers with 14 points, while wing spikers Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna added 14 points each.
Setter Nathaniel Bangit delivered 20 excellent sets to direct the offense.
“Medyo ano pa ko sa simula kasi during training, practice game, they’re not too consistent,” said head coach Jose Roque.
“Pero seeing this first game, somehow gave me confidence na we can actually do more aside from this game. Plus the fact na ‘yung iba hindi pa nakakalaro eh; somehow may nakikita na akong potential for the season ng UAAP,” he added.
“I do hope lahat sila umangat.”
Arellano stayed competitive behind AC Guinto’s 13 points but could not match La Salle’s strong finish.
(C) V-League
Ateneo, after losing to University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, rebounded with a sweep over Letran.
Opposite hitter Amil Pacinio scored a game-high 19 points, including clutch hits to close out the match. Setter Eijra Taluban and team captain Jian Salarzon also contributed key plays.
Letran made the match competitive through Lorenz Vicente and Max Lopez, who each scored six points.
However, Ateneo’s superior defense and blocking — finishing with an 11-2 advantage at the net — helped secure the win.
“Yung nakuha lang namin from that short span of time is ‘yung mga bata is sumunod lang sa game plan na binigay ng mga coaches,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“Siguro may nasunod, pero mga 30 percent lang. At least ngayon, somehow, pero siyempre may mga iilan na hindi pa sila gano’n ka-comfortable na may game plan at may specific instructions. Pero ngayon, good naman kasi at least sinunod na nila ‘yung game plan.”
